Tsipras unveils ELAS shadow government, outlines election strategy as gap with New Democracy narrows

Return to politics

On June 25, 2026, Alexis Tsipras gave his first televised interview since founding the Greek Left Alliance (ELAS). The former prime minister said his return was driven by the need to fill a large void in the political system and the wider progressive space. He argued that three years without a strong opposition had made the government "more arrogant."

“The cycle of SYRIZA has closed. I am opening a new cycle, with new faces but the same values.”

Rapid party building

In just 26 days, ELAS has signed up tens of thousands of members, assembled a 350-member National Council, and formed a team of 50 sector heads. Tsipras called the pace a "statement of readiness" for strong opposition and a "declaration of governability."

“We want to be a governing left, not a left of protest.”

Election stance

Tsipras outlined his election strategy: if ELAS comes first but cannot form a government, he will seek a second election to obtain a clear mandate. He ruled out cooperation with SYRIZA, stating that the new party was created to fill a void, not to collaborate with forces whose cycle is over.

“We were born to fill a real void, not to cooperate with existing forces that we believe have closed their cycle.”

Shifting polls

Tsipras pointed to recent polls showing the gap with ruling New Democracy narrowing. He said the political system is heading back to a two-pole structure, but cautioned that it is still early and much work remains.

What's next

The 50 sector heads, effectively a shadow government, hold their first meeting on June 26. The National Council convenes on June 27. These gatherings mark the next steps in building what Tsipras calls a "realistic alternative proposal for governance."