The phrase ‘the ruling left’ is written on the backdrop of a political event on the future of the left, attended by former premier Alexis Tsipras in Athens on May 11. [John Liakos/InTime News]
Ithaca, Compass, Path: Speculations about the name of former prime minister Alexis Tsipras’ new party are flying around – perhaps out of curiosity about how inventive the branding of SYRIZA’s umpteenth offshoot might prove to be. It seems that the speculation is of particular interest to Tsipras himself, since he chose to upload a related video to his social networks. In it, young people are throwing around ideas for a name like inexperienced copywriters in an advertising agency or simply as enthusiastic members of a band of friends anxious for the success of a good friend’s venture.
The post, combined with Tsipras’ speech at a recent event organized by young people for young people, indicates the context of his repositioning in political matters. Tsipras, at 51, is “selling” himself as he did two decades ago: as part of the new generation, as an incorruptible and pure person who is not burdened by any shadow from the past.
His “opening” toward young people has an expected purpose: it bets on their absence of personal memory of the last time the politician acted as a bearer of hope. However, he is marred by his myopia. Even if Tsipras convinces young voters that he, too, is young like them, how will he mislead those who remember who he was and what he did 10 years ago?
