Key facts
- Opposition leader Alexis Tsipras criticized Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's policy towards the U.S.
- Tsipras stated that Greece's strategic relationship with the U.S. must be guided by mutual benefit.
- He argued that granting open-ended access to military bases without renegotiation is a 'blank check' policy.
- Tsipras emphasized that the priority for base usage should be Greece's domestic security.
- He launched a new political party, Elas, aiming to unite the opposition.
- Tsipras suggested taxing multinationals and carbon emissions to strengthen social cohesion.
Opposition leader Alexis Tsipras has criticized the current Greek government's close relationship with the United States, particularly concerning military base access. Tsipras, a former Prime Minister, stated that Greece's strategic ties with the U.S. should be based on mutual benefit and that the current administration's policy of granting open-ended access to pivotal military bases amounts to giving 'blank checks' that do not serve national interests.
Tsipras, who recently launched a new political party called Elas, is positioning himself for a potential return to power in the upcoming general election. He contrasted Greece's approach with that of Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who reportedly blocked U.S. forces from using bases in his country. Tsipras emphasized that the priority for the use of Greek bases should be domestic security rather than solely acceding to U.S. demands, a stance he believes resonates with public skepticism towards U.S. President Donald Trump.
Reflecting on his past premiership during the eurozone crisis, Tsipras defended his record, stating that his government stabilized the economy and ended bailouts. Looking ahead, he outlined policy proposals for his new movement, including strengthening social cohesion, increasing European Union own resources through taxing multinationals and carbon emissions, and investing in the defense industry without compromising social spending. He also highlighted public frustration with corruption in Greece, citing it as a significant issue impacting social policy and public services.