Those who diagnosed Alexis Tsipras’ intentions early on in the former leftist prime minister’s rebranding campaign were not surprised by the momentum of the new party he launched and its rapid ascent to second place in the country’s party rankings.
An objective assessment of the dynamics in the existing political landscape inevitably led to the conclusion that his Greek Left Alliance (ELAS) party would soon evolve into the “alternative pole” to the ruling conservatives.
His shift toward the center – despite the radical rhetorical mantle he wears – was equally expected.
Indeed, his position on specific issues signals a clear change of course. The hot-button issue of private universities is a good case in point. The position of Tsipras’ party – “we would not have established them, but we will not be abolishing them; we respect the recent ruling of the Council of State and acknowledge the reality that thousands of youngsters are studying at them” – is proof-positive that he is seeking to penetrate a more moderate voter pool.
His position on this issue sets Tsipras apart from SYRIZA and other leftist parties that insist on the rather obsolete point of view that only public universities are capable of offering the kind of knowledge and scientific background that our society needs.
