From the party to the person
This new period has no party characteristics. It has personal.
In SYRIZA, Tsipras was for years the unique leader figure· voters voted more for him than for the party.
In his new political venture, appears alone. He avoids being surrounded by executives, does not comment on the statements of his old partners, keeps his distance from any “old” identity. Even his presentation Institute which he founded, quickly passed into the background: the names of the executives were lost under the shadow of the founder. The game, at least for now, it’s purely bossy.
The book as a political statement
Alexis Tsipras no longer responds to political challenges with interviews or statements. He answers through his book itself.
OR “Ithaca” works as political memoir and self-criticismbut also as repositioning tool. Through its pages, he attempts to control for himself the narrative of his past — of his rule, conflicts, mistakes and decisions.
The public, however, already seems to be responding. Before even being released, the book has sell out in pre-orderswith online sales surpassing any initial edition estimate. The popularity of the project confirms that Tsipras still maintains strong influence in the public sphereeven away from party seats.
The “silence” that is not silence
Although he appears more selective in his public interventions, Alexis Tsipras takes a stand on important issues that concern society. Either through short public interventions or through written positions, he comments on topics such as the cost of living, national issues, the functioning of institutions, Gaza and the quality of democracy.
Many times, responds indirectly but essentially to government positionscriticizing with political sobriety, without partisan noise. This “talking silence” is part of his new strategy: to appear present, but on his own terms. To maintain the interest of public opinion, without being exhausted in daily confrontations.
The premiere of “Ithaca” – The next day’s test
The day of the book’s presentation is of particular interest. Who will be there? How will they sit? And how will Tsipras himself deal with them?
According to information, no invitations will be sent – a fact that reveals a conscious choice: he does not want to be seen who are his “friends” and who just want to be seen next to him.
If the image of the hall captures the political physiognomy of the new era, then its presentation Ithaca it won’t just be a literary evening. It will be the first public rehearsal of the next day of Alexis Tsipras.
A personal bet
The bet for him is clear: to re-introduce himself not as a former prime minister, but as contemporary political narrativeable to communicate with today and – above all – with the new generation.