Political turbulence after EL.A.S. formation - Polls and reactions

The political landscape in Greece is experiencing significant upheaval following the launch of a new party, EL.A.S., by former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. The move has intensified political tensions, with various parties reacting to Tsipras's re-entry into the political arena.

Recent polling data from ALCO for flash.gr indicates that New Democracy remains the leading party with 23.5% of the vote. However, Tsipras's new party, EL.A.S., has secured a notable second position with 12.8%, surpassing PASOK, which garnered 10%. Other parties, including Maria Karystianou's "Elpida gia ti Dimokratia" (9.5%), KKE (6.4%), and Elliniki Lysi (6.3%), trail behind. Notably, SYRIZA, Tsipras's former party, registered only 1.5% in the poll.

Reactions from other political factions have been sharp. PASOK has accused polling companies of bias and claims the government desires Tsipras as its main political rival. Government sources, however, dismiss these claims, suggesting PASOK is in a state of panic. The KKE, through spokesperson Liana Kanelli, criticized Tsipras's new venture, stating, "New storefront, same product inside. Influencing doesn't work anymore."

The government itself has attacked Tsipras's new initiative, with officials and MPs attempting to diminish its significance by arguing it has already been rejected by the Greek people. In response, EL.A.S. deputy press representative Nikos Nyfoudhis urged PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis to move past his criticism, present his party's program, and critique New Democracy and other parties, rather than focusing solely on EL.A.S.

Meanwhile, SYRIZA remains committed to a strategy of convergence. Sokratis Famellos stated, "Our paths must converge; our roads are not confrontational. I believe the strategy we chose, the unifying strategy, is correct, and I will insist on it." Within Tsipras's new party, differing approaches exist regarding issues such as whether PASOK is a neighboring party to EL.A.S. Stamatís Malelís, General Director of News and Information at MEGA, commented on the political shifts, noting that Tsipras's arrival has caused a significant stir, and its long-term impact remains to be seen.