The youth organization of New Democracy, ONNED, released a short film targeting Alexis Tsipras following the presentation of his economic program in Thessaloniki. The video, titled Waste of Rebranding, was published on social media platforms on September 3, 2026.
In an accompanying statement, ONNED said the heavily advertised rebranding of the former prime minister appeared to focus on image rather than political substance. The organization said the presentation of the economic program of the ELAS movement on September 2 recalled the promises made in 2015 that remained unfulfilled.
ONNED stated that while the wrapping, promotional videos, and communication strategy had changed, the underlying political content remained familiar. The group added that this continuity inspired the title of the short film.
Government criticism and cost estimates
Government officials responded sharply to the economic proposals presented by Tsipras in Thessaloniki, saying the government had lost count of the announcements. Government representatives said the overall plan broke the bank and carried an estimated total cost of 13 billion euros.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis questioned how the proposed measures would be financed. Marinakis said Tsipras had made 13 billion euros in total promises while the planned patriotic contribution would raise only 145 million euros, leaving an unfunded gap of 12.5 billion euros.
Other senior political figures also criticized the proposals. Adonis Georgiadis said the plan signaled a return to an era of foolishness and called Tsipras the great-grandson of Baron Munchausen. Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said the presentation was a repeat performance of big words and illusions.
Takis Theodorikakos said Tsipras was selling free hope that would end in despair if voters gave him another opportunity to govern. Alexandra Sdoukou said representatives of ELAS were taking back initial announcements and attempting to manage the fallout.
Key economic proposals and bank deposit box measures
The economic package outlined by Tsipras in Thessaloniki centers on two primary measures, the National Convergence Fund and the Patriotic Contribution. The proposals aim to restructure fiscal priorities and generate new revenue streams.
Controversy arose over the details of the Patriotic Contribution after a sector head for ELAS stated in an audio recording that authorities would record jewelry stored in safety deposit boxes. The statement followed earlier controversial remarks regarding the taxation of safety deposit boxes made by SYRIZA figures Apostolou and Polakis, as well as Giorgos Pappas of ELAS.
Following government criticism of the funding figures, ELAS announced that it would submit its complete economic program to the National Fiscal Council for evaluation.
Opposition party reactions
Opposition leaders also addressed Tsipras during events on September 3. PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis stated during a speech marking the September 3 anniversary that the public did not owe another chance to either Tsipras or Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, adding that the country would move forward under PASOK.
Dimitris Koutsoumpas, the leader of the Communist Party of Greece, released a video using voice commands on a GPS navigation system saying another road, another road, in response to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's Greece 2030 program. Meanwhile, SYRIZA released a campaign spot aimed at Tsipras, stating that when others remain silent, SYRIZA takes a stand.
In related political developments, Petros Kokkalis called for activating the national asset registry to tax the wealthiest 1 percent of the population. The political debate comes as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis prepares for the Thessaloniki International Fair, where the government is set to outline measures for farmers, families with three children, the Spiti Mou 3 housing program, and defense policy. Mitsotakis stated that Greece will not accept directives from anyone regarding its defense capabilities.
