The conservative government has intensified its criticism of former prime minister and leader of the newly formed Greek Left Alliance (ELAS), Alexis Tsipras, accusing him of undermining his claims to political integrity as both sides sharpen their rhetoric amid shifting political dynamics.
Government officials have recently focused on Tsipras’ record in office, arguing that renewed attention to the policies and decisions of his left-wing SYRIZA administration could resonate with voters who opposed the party during its years in power.
The strategy comes as the government seeks to counter what it views as Tsipras’ effort to present himself as a political figure with “clean hands” at a time when opinion polls have identified corruption as a vulnerability for the ruling administration.
Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis escalated the confrontation during a television interview late Monday, alleging – without providing evidence – that Tsipras accepted bribes in connection with revisions to Greece’s criminal code approved shortly before the 2019 general election. Georgiadis referred to comments by former justice minister Stavros Kontonis, who has criticized the legislation, and suggested that the timing of the vote was linked to the changes.
