Tsipras Heads to Thessaloniki Amid a New Round of Political Theatre
Alexis Tsipras is preparing to present his book Ithaki in Thessaloniki, with the event expected to take place at Olympion on 17 January. The scheduled appearance coincides with a visit to the city by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who will deliver a speech at Vellideio during a New Democracy pre congress focused on Foreign Policy and National Defence.
Observers note that their parallel presence could recreate the indirect political face off seen in September, when Tsipras spoke at the Fifth Thessaloniki Metropolitan Summit while the prime minister addressed the Thessaloniki International Fair the following day.
Political analysts suggest that another overlap would reinforce Tsipras stance that his primary target remains the government and its policies. During his recent Ithaki stop in Patras, he sharply criticised the administration, referring to what he described as a swamp of corruption and citing issues such as the wiretapping affair, the Tempi tragedy, OPEKEPE and allegations of cartel practices.
Tsipras Circles Dismiss Influence of the Karystianou Party
People close to Tsipras stress that the emerging Karystianou party holds no sway over his strategic decisions. According to these sources, Tsipras was not caught off guard by her announcement to establish a new political party, as he had previously spoken publicly about the likelihood of new formations entering the scene.
Associates emphasise that the creation of the Karystianou party does not alter his political timing, adding that he neither accelerates nor delays his plans based on such developments.
Reports indicate that despite receiving criticism from Karystianou, including accusations that he signed the worst memorandum and ultimately disappointed citizens after giving them hope, Tsipras chose not to respond, signalling that his focus remains on confronting the ruling New Democracy.
