Former Greek Prime Ministers are making waves in the country's political landscape, challenging the status quo and stirring up controversy.
In Greece, there's an unwritten rule that former heads of government should stay out of the spotlight and refrain from offering advice. But here's where it gets interesting: this rule seems to have been broken by two prominent figures.
The Comeback Trail: Alexis Tsipras and Antonis Samaras
Alexis Tsipras, the former left-wing Prime Minister, has been relatively quiet in recent years. However, he's now making a bold move to return to the political arena. From 2015 to 2019, Tsipras led Greece through the height of the debt crisis, and now he's planning a comeback with a new party. He recently resigned from the left-wing opposition party Syriza, where he had been chairman until June 2023, and has since relinquished his seat in parliament.
In an interview, Tsipras declared his intention to reorganize the progressive opposition, suggesting a fresh start under his leadership. Political scientist Lefteris Kousoulis believes Tsipras' departure from Syriza marks the end of the party's dominance, as they currently poll at just under 4% and would struggle to enter parliament if elections were held today.
Tsipras is not alone in his desire to return to the political forefront. Antonis Samaras, a former right-wing Prime Minister and figurehead of the conservatives, has also been vocal in his criticism of the current government's foreign policy. He has accused the government of making concessions to neighboring countries and has been particularly critical of the Prespa Agreement with North Macedonia.
A Divided Political Landscape
The current political climate in Greece is characterized by a weak and fragmented opposition. This vacuum has not only benefited the conservative head of government, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, but also provides an opportunity for Tsipras and his new party, which polls suggest could appeal to up to 20% of voters.
Mitsotakis, in a heated exchange with the left-wing opposition, highlighted his determination to prevent Greece from becoming a laughing stock in Europe again, a reference to Tsipras' previous rule.
Kousoulis believes there is a huge vacuum in Athens' politics, with the opposition struggling to gain traction. This has led to speculation about the formation of new parties, with media reports suggesting that Samaras is considering starting a "patriotic" party, adding further pressure on the ruling conservatives from the right.
The Reasons Behind the Return
So, why are these former Prime Ministers eager to re-enter the political arena? Kousoulis suggests that a lack of internal party democracy in Greece is to blame. In a system dominated by nepotism, it's challenging for new faces to rise to the top. As a result, Greece often sees the old guard returning with new ideas, a phenomenon that raises questions about the country's political dynamics and the role of former leaders.
As Tsipras prepares to release his autobiography in November, and with Samaras' potential party formation on the horizon, the political landscape in Greece is set to become even more intriguing. Will these former leaders succeed in their comebacks, or will they face challenges and criticism? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Greek political pot is certainly bubbling with activity.
