Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has released the first part of a new political documentary trilogy produced by volunteers from his party, the Greek Left Coalition.
The opening film, titled The Direction of Politics, features Tsipras delivering a message on the fundamental purpose of governance, stating that politics encompasses everything that defines people's lives and arguing that its core purpose must be to change those lives for the better.
The film project was developed as a grassroots initiative created under the scientific supervision and creative coordination of Fani Kountouri, an associate professor of political science and communication.
Tsipras currently serves as president of the Greek Left Coalition, known locally as ELA.S. He previously served as Prime Minister of Greece from 2015 to 2019, leading the country during the European debt crisis.
Autobiographical reflections
Speaking in an autobiographical tone, Tsipras reflects on his early childhood, growing up at 41 Fthiotidos Street in the Ampelokipoi neighborhood of Athens, located near Alexandra Avenue and the home stadium of sports club Panathinaikos.
Tsipras was born on July 28, 1974, four days after the Metapolitefsi on July 24, which marked the historic restoration of democracy in Greece following the fall of the military dictatorship. He recalled that his early days coincided with a widespread spirit of enthusiasm over the collapse of the junta.
He described growing up in a household filled with intense political discussion, where his father supported the Panhellenic Socialist Movement, known as PASOK, while his siblings were members of the Communist Youth of Greece, or KNE. Tsipras explained that he ultimately chose to follow his own political path.
Ideological distinction and modern politics
Reflecting on his entry into public life, Tsipras said his political involvement was driven by a sense of romanticism and a desire to pursue idealist goals, rooted in the belief that collective action can make the world better. However, he noted that politics today is often viewed as a negatively charged concept, widely associated with an inability to improve daily life.
Tsipras acknowledged that political life brings frequent disappointment and difficult moments, particularly when battles are lost.
Despite those setbacks, he emphasized his firm belief in the distinction between the Left and the Right, as well as the fundamental difference between political ideologies.
He concluded that politics remains the process created by citizens to define their own lives, asserting that the direction of political action determines its impact on society and emphasizing that the struggle continues for everyone.
