Alexis Tsipras to present ELAS economic and governance plan at Thessaloniki International Fair

Electoral strategy and party mobilization

Alexis Tsipras will present the governing program of the Hellenic Left Coalition (ELAS) at the upcoming Thessaloniki International Fair. Addressing nearly 200 party sector officials during a preparatory meeting, the former prime minister stated that the organization is preparing to contest the upcoming national elections and govern. Tsipras framed the upcoming Thessaloniki address as the formal opening of a race toward the national vote, identifying Kyriakos Mitsotakis and New Democracy as the party's sole political opponent. The campaign will rely on specialized sector working groups and a digital platform designed for member communication. Party officials confirmed that Tsipras will focus on outlining an alternative model of governance rather than delivering a catalogue of fragmented state handouts.

We are preparing not only to fight the battle, but also to govern the next day.

The National Reconstruction Plan

At the fair, Tsipras will introduce the National Reconstruction Plan, formulated around three commitments: producing more, distributing fairer, and living better. The proposal outlines a model of authority centered on honest governance, fair growth, and productive reconstruction. Under this framework, economic expansion will focus on productivity and technological innovation rather than relying solely on consumption turnover, real estate prices, and seasonal tourism revenues. The program is built upon three structural pillars: establishing a new productive base through investments and trade, instituting fair taxation with opportunities for youth, and lowering living costs while improving public goods. Tsipras will set convergence with European standards as the core national target, aiming to improve wage levels, labor productivity, the rule of law, healthcare, education, and housing conditions.

Socioeconomic data and critique of New Democracy

The address will present a critique of New Democracy's seven-year tenure, which Tsipras described as a lost opportunity following Greece's exit from bailout programs. Tsipras argued that European financing possibilities were exhausted over this period without leaving a positive footprint on broader society. His speech will cite Eurostat and European Commission data showing that Greek gross domestic product per capita in purchasing power standards sits at 68% of the European Union average. Tsipras will also note that 27.5% of the Greek population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, compared to an EU average of 20%. In addition, he will state that Greek households spend 36% of their disposable income on housing against an EU average of 19%.

Fiscal discipline and political confrontation

To counter accusations of fiscal populism from the government, Tsipras announced budgetary criteria for all proposals unveiled in Thessaloniki. Under the ELAS economic framework, every policy commitment must possess a permanent financing source, and no recurring expenditure will be funded through extraordinary revenues. Tsipras argued that respect for fiscal rules does not require social inertia or the abandonment of income redistribution. Responding to criticisms from government spokespersons labeling him unrepentant ahead of his Thessaloniki appearance, Tsipras stated that he remains determined to pursue democratic accountability and confront established interest networks.

I confess my guilt. I remain unrepentant in pursuing a Greece of honesty, democracy, and justice.