Tsipras at the Sorbonne: “Mitsotakis Will Leave–Either Through Party Cooperation or Political Restructuring”

In a speech that is sure to spark debate, Alexis Tsipras spoke at the historic Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, engaging in a direct dialogue with Greek students about the future of politics in Greece.

“Political parties are created by society, and I need to listen to the message it is sending,” he emphasized, making pointed remarks about the current leadership of the Left and Center-Left. He explained that political change can occur in two ways: “Either through the cooperation of progressive parties, or through a restructuring of the political system”, which would overcome today’s fragmentation and ego-driven politics.

During the same event, Tsipras sharply criticized current European leadership:

“Europe is not a continent without leadership, but a continent with the wrong leadership: neo-conservative, neoliberal, timid, and inadequate.”

He highlighted that such leadership has fueled the rise of far-right and neo-conservative forces, exploiting fear and strengthening those seeking dominance in what could become the most militarized Europe since World War II.

At the same time, the former Prime Minister stressed the need for a new, moral, and economically just patriotism, empowering societies against the interests of the powerful and the oligarchs, while calling for active internationalism and resistance against the far-right:

“We must mobilize around a new patriotism for justice in our countries. A new patriotism that is inclusive, moral, economic, and social. A new patriotism based on the determination to resist the great interests of the powerful and the oligarchs. To make them pay. And beyond our countries, we must fight for a new internationalism on both sides of the Atlantic, for peace and against the far-right. And we must claim the leadership of Europe.”

The dialogue with students was equally revealing:

“This whole discussion about a new party is taking place intensely, but without my consent. Parties are not created from the top down. Parties are created from the ground up. If they meet society’s needs, they emerge. At this stage, I want to engage in dialogue and listen to the needs of society.”

This speech clearly demonstrates that Alexis Tsipras remains active, determined, and ready to play a role in the next phase of political restructuring in Greece, leaving the door open for alliances or the potential overthrow of the current government.

“As our world becomes increasingly unequal, authoritarian, and violent, we must remember the great values that have mobilized people and brought the major revolutions and transformative changes to our continent.”