NewsEdit At an international conference in Athens, the former Greek PM outlines a progressive roadmap against rising authoritarianism and global far-right resurgence
A New Social Contract Rooted in Justice
Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called for a “new patriotism” that confronts oligarchy and kleptocracy, during his keynote speech at the 2nd International Conference on Democracy and Social Justice, organized by the Alexis Tsipras Institute in Athens. He argued that the response to deepening inequalities and authoritarian drift lies in a comprehensive political, economic, and institutional recovery plan centered on social justice.
Criticism of Greece’s “One-Fifth Society”
Tsipras launched a strong critique against the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, accusing it of systematically favoring a wealthy minority at the expense of the broader population — what he termed a “one-fifth society.” Acknowledging the current opposition’s difficulties in articulating a convincing alternative, he emphasized the need to “find or create” the key to political change collectively. He proposed a cohesive five-year recovery plan to restore trust in institutions, mobilize labor and creativity, and strengthen democratic resilience.
Global Context: The Rise of the Far Right and Authoritarian Capitalism
Placing the Greek crisis in an international framework, Tsipras warned of the rise of authoritarian and neoliberal capitalism fueling the global far right. He pointed to the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House as a watershed moment, warning that it could mark the end of the post-WWII global order.
“This is not just a political shift in the United States,” he said, “but a direct challenge to international law and the postwar system — a tilt toward the law of the strongest.”
A Progressive Agenda for National Renewal
Tsipras outlined the contours of a new progressive strategy based on five core pillars:
- National Recovery Plan: A five-year program promoting fair growth, democratic institutions, and social cohesion.
- A New Social and Political Wave: A broad alliance uniting disparate progressive currents to offer an alternative for disillusioned citizens.
- Reclaiming Patriotism from the Left: “Against the homeland of the few and their windfall profits, we must put forward the homeland of the many and of justice,” he declared.
- Institutional Safeguards: Bolstering democratic checks and balances to counter the erosion of the state by oligarchic interests.
- Breaking Clientelism: Replacing patronage networks with a development-focused state based on accountability and long-term planning.
Economic Justice and Rising Inequality
Comparing governance outcomes, Tsipras claimed that during his premiership the poverty rate fell from 21.4% to 17.9%, only to rise again to 19.6% under the Mitsotakis administration, despite favorable global conditions. Meanwhile, corporate profits soared, with listed firms reaching €11.5 billion in windfall earnings in 2024 — a 15-year record.
Human Security and Migration: Reclaiming the Narrative
Tsipras urged the progressive camp to reclaim the notion of “human security” from the far right, criticizing how fear and securitization have been weaponized by conservative forces. He advocated for a cohesive EU migration policy grounded in international law and legal migration pathways.
Toward a New Progressive Narrative
The former PM positioned his speech as an effort to address the strategic vacuum within the progressive sphere — not merely reacting to crises, but inspiring action and vision.
“We must speak of a new ethical, social, and economic patriotism,” he concluded, calling for a collective reawakening of democratic forces around the principles of justice and social solidarity.
Key Messages from Tsipras’ Address
- Patriotism of the Many vs. Oligarchy: A new national identity built on justice and inclusion.
- Critique of the “One-Fifth Society”: A society divided by privilege and inequality.
- Need for a Strategic Five-Year Plan: National rebuilding rooted in fairness and resilience.
- International Threats: Resisting the global far-right surge and authoritarian capitalism.
- Progressive Coalition Building: A call for unity across parties and civil society.
- Reclaiming Core Values: Redefining “security” and “patriotism” from a progressive lens.
- Institutional Reform: From clientelism to a strategic developmental state.