Greece's opposition PASOK party launched a fierce attack on former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras following his economic address in Thessaloniki on Wednesday evening.
In a statement issued from its headquarters on Harilaou Trikoupi Street, the party accused Mr Tsipras of copying 80 percent of PASOK's economic program while simultaneously attacking the organization. PASOK claimed the former leader presented the economic platform of the EL.A.S movement in northern Greece without offering a genuine alternative vision for the country.
The centre-left party stated that Mr Tsipras had returned to the scene of the crime with fresh illusions, hoping the Greek public would believe he had changed and forget how he used their anxieties to gain power. Officials added that voters had not forgotten what they described as raw mockery and unreliability during his tenure in government.
PASOK, formally known as the Panhellenic Socialist Movement, is one of Greece's primary opposition parties and is currently led by Nikos Androulakis. Mr Tsipras served as Prime Minister of Greece from 2015 to 2019 during the height of the country's international bailout negotiations. Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, traditionally hosts annual policy speeches by national political figures each September during the Thessaloniki International Fair.
Accusations of Copied Policies
PASOK highlighted specific similarities between Mr Tsipras's presentation and previous proposals made by Mr Androulakis. According to the party, Mr Tsipras duplicated Mr Androulakis's address from the previous year's Thessaloniki forum by adopting his focus on new European convergence. PASOK also asserted that a proposed National Wealth Fund previously announced by PASOK had simply been rebranded by Mr Tsipras as the National Convergence Fund.
The party claimed Mr Tsipras was in a hurry to deliver his speech before Mr Androulakis in an attempt to persuade voters who do not closely follow political developments that he possessed an original plan. PASOK noted that despite claiming to fill an opposition gap, Mr Tsipras offered no new policies other than confirming he would not reinstate key social protections abolished during his administration.
During his term as prime minister, Mr Tsipras oversaw major economic reforms required under Greece's third international financial assistance package. These measures included the restructuring of state pensions under the 2016 Katrougalos law and the phase-out of EKAS, a targeted social solidarity benefit previously paid to low-income retirees. The period also saw changes to legal protections governing primary residences and the transfer of non-performing loans to private management funds.
Critique of Economic and Governance Record
Addressing the specific measures outlined in Thessaloniki, PASOK accused Mr Tsipras of promising tax relief despite having heavily taxed the middle class and self-employed professionals while in office. The party also challenged his vision for the country, reminding voters that his government had committed public assets to a 99-year fund designated for international creditors.
PASOK further criticized Mr Tsipras's promises to retirees, noting his government abolished the EKAS benefit, implemented pension cuts under the Katrougalos law, removed legal safeguards for primary homes, and permitted financial funds to acquire distressed domestic assets. The statement also alleged that his administration had manipulated the judicial system and attacked independent state authorities.
Greece is currently governed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his conservative New Democracy party. PASOK has positioned itself as the main challenge to the ruling government, arguing that both Mr Mitsotakis and Mr Tsipras have already been tested in office and found wanting after 12 years of political setbacks for the nation.
Calls for Real Opposition
Concluding its statement, PASOK asserted that Greek citizens now understand which party provides genuine opposition and which acts as a support for Mr Mitsotakis. The party stated that voters recognize who possesses the political independence needed to confront established interests, contrasting its own program with politicians who fish in murky waters without a compass.
PASOK stated that Greece has no more time to lose following more than a decade of difficulties, maintaining that its own platform and personnel remain the only policy dedicated solely to the public interest.
