With significant political weight and international resonance, Alexis Tsipras presented his progressive European vision at the Sorbonne, emphasizing the need for the Left and a “new patriotism” to take leadership of Europe in opposition to neoliberalism and the far-right.
Speaking at the historic Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University in an event titled “Europe: A Continent Without Leadership?”, Tsipras argued that Europe is not lacking leadership, but suffers from the wrong leadership – conservative, neoliberal, and inadequate. According to him, Europe will regain effective leadership only if its leaders confront the oligarchy of wealth in favor of the social majority.
The speech focused on seven key pillars of progressive policy:
- Strengthening cohesion funds and convergence policies to tackle social and regional inequalities.
- Strategic investment in priority sectors of the European economy, emphasizing a new development path.
- Expansion of the common debt issuance mechanism established under the Recovery Fund.
- Creation of fiscal space by revising the Stability Pact from 60% to 100% of GDP.
- Common Foreign and Security Policy aimed at strategic autonomy from the U.S.
- Addressing the climate crisis and promoting sustainability.
- Institutional evolution of the EU, allowing willing member states to deepen cooperation in specific areas.
Tsipras also reflected on the SYRIZA government period, highlighting how the Left managed Greece during a humanitarian crisis while protecting the most vulnerable citizens.
The speech concluded with a call for a new patriotism that is inclusive, ethical, economic, and social, capable of resisting the interests of the powerful and claiming Europe’s leadership. In his words: “Make them pay. And claim Europe’s leadership.”
Tsipras’ message at the Sorbonne can be seen as either a political manifesto for a new European vision or a summary of his political trajectory, months ahead of his upcoming book, emphasizing the role of the Left in navigating challenging times.
Source: pagenews.gr