The Greek Letter ekathimerini.com : The end of an era for SYRIZA as New Democracy forms government

 

The end of an era for SYRIZA as New Democracy forms government[InTime News] Constantine CapsaskisNewsletter Editor Welcome to the weekly round-up of news by Kathimerini English Edition. After fifteen years at the helm of SYRIZA, former prime minister Alexis Tsipras announced that he was resigning from the party leadership after its performance in the two recent elections. Alexis Tsipras served as Prime Minister from January 2015 to July 2019, having been the leader of precursor party Synaspismos from 2008 when he took over at the age of just 34. With the party’s popularity rising during the financial crisis, Tsipras will always be inextricably linked with that turbulent period in Greece’s history, whether in opposition or in government. With a political legacy dominated by the 2015 referendum and the “Prespes Agreement” with North Macedonia, the decision by Tsipras to resign marks a clear break for a party that has been largely shaped around his political presence. “I understand the need for a new wave in SYRIZA. And I decided to step aside. I have confidence in the human capital of our party, in the inexhaustible forces of society and the Left,” he said from the Zappeion Megaron in central Athens. “With the resignation of Tsipras, a cycle for SYRIZA is ending. It was a party that in recent years, both in government and opposition, identified itself with toxicity, divisionary rhetoric and deafening inefficiency”, said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis from Brussels, where he was attending the European Summit, adding that it was an “expected decision”. The 43 members of SYRIZA’s Political Secretariat met on Sunday to set out a timeframe in which the next leader of the party will be elected, with the two most common scenarios being either wasting no time and electing someone in July or waiting for September. The party will also need to elect a transitional parliamentary leader, with former Alternate Minister for Environment and Energy Sokratis Famelos being put forward. Spotlight Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was sworn in for his second term on Monday. This was followed by his new cabinet on Tuesday. Τhe cabinet, comprised of 63 ministers, alternate ministers, deputy ministers, and ministers of state, includes many familiar faces. Indicatively, out of 27 ministers and alternate ministers of the new government, 20 had also served in the previous one. On Wednesday, Mitsotakis chaired its inaugural meeting where he unveiled the government’s four-year roadmap and its four pillars. Specifically, improved wages, enhanced public health, a better-functioning state, and a better quality of life.   The high tourist season is in full swing and Greek public attention was grabbed by a video in which a waiter employed at a beach bar on the island of Rhodes had to wade into the sea to serve guests sitting on wooden platforms. The video led to many people questioning both the working conditions of those working in Greece’s hospitality sector as well as the regulation of beach bars and illegal constructions. The issue of illegal constructions, particularly on Rhodes, was also highlighted by Kathimerini’s Giorgos Lialios who pointed out that demolition orders for unlicensed structures are gathering dust sitting in drawers. Labor Minister Adonis Georgiadis also announced that the beach bar would be investigated for any labor law violations.

MUST READS Though still young, Tsipras did not see the changeGo to article > I don’t understand themGo to article > The inevitable fiscal adjustmentGo to article >

OPINION Tom EllisEditor-in-Chief, Kathimerini English Edition SYRIZA’s changing of the guard[InTime News] Whatever course the leadership struggle in SYRIZA takes the “day after” will be not be easy for the country’s second largest party. None of the potential candidates has the broad acceptance enjoyed by former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras who led SYRIZA for over 15 years. Indications are that the torch will pass to an even younger cadre than the 49-year-old Tsipras. Former ministers Effie Achtsioglou (Labor) and Alexis Charitsis (Interior, Economy) are seen to be among the leading contenders. In any case, the next leader will have to work hard to be accepted by all of the party’s factions while rebuilding SYRIZA after its humiliating defeat in the last elections. At the same time, he or she should be able to confront the government with the necessary credibility and offer a convincing and realistic alternative, while at the same time being able to create a bridge with the other force in the center left, PASOK. However one reads the math, the two parties have to find a way to coexist and work together if they are to ever come back to power. The absence of the personal animosity many in PASOK feel towards Alexis Tsipras might facilitate such a rapprochement. Even supporters of the ruling New Democracy acknowledge the need for a stable and serious main opposition party that can offer constructive criticism.

CHART OF THE WEEK

The government has signalled that tax cuts that were promised by New Democracy in the run-up to elections have been pushed back and will only be conditionally implemented if tax evasion is reduced. To this end, the Finance Ministry will focus on expanding digital transactions. The decision by the government is a message to both domestic and international audiences, pointing out that that the government promises to be hard on tax evasion while also remaining vigilant and fiscally cautious. This is particularly important as Greece seeks to regain investment grade.

ESCAPADE Journey Through Time: Exploring the Scenic Pelion Railway The Pelion railway opened up travel for the area’s inhabitants in the first half of the 20th century. Today, it offers passengers an unforgettable day out. Go to article >

ECONOMY IN A NUTSHELL

“The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,278.61 points on Friday, up 0.78% from last week. June was the third consecutive month of growth, capping off a six-month period in which the index grew by more than 37.5%.”

“The upwards trajectory of foreign investments in Greek real estate continued in the first quarter of 2023. According to a report released by the Bank of Greek, the total amount for the period was approximately 497 million euros, up 33% from last year.”

“The government announced the extensions of the “Household Basket” measure as well as the ceiling on profit margins for food and fuel, which were both set to expire this week. This most likely confirms that food inflation will continue at high levels for at least another month.”

WHAT'S ON THE AGENDA

03/07/2023New Parliament: The parliamentarians elected on June 25 will be sworn in on Monday, setting forth a busy week that will culminate with the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis obtaining a vote of confidence on Saturday. 06/07/2023Ruling on football murder case: The court is set to announce its ruling in the murder case of Alkis Kampanos. Kampanos was killed by rival football fans in Thessaloniki in February 2022 in a crime that shocked Greece. 07/07/2023National Theater at Epidaurus: The National Theater of Greece will put on the play “Hippolytus” by Euripides at the ancient theater of Epidaurus.

Editor's PickA looming far-right fundamentalist bloc on the right side of the government threatens to exploit even the most formal contacts regarding Greek-Turkish matters for the purpose of stirring controversy.Vassilis NedosRead the article

PODCAST

29/06/2023 • 17:00Analysis of the Greek elections: Endy Zemenides and Erini KosmasHALC Executive Director Endy Zemenides and HALC’s Erini Kosmas break down what we can expect from the prime minister’s new cabinet and more.

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