Peristera Batziana, better known as “Betty”, the longtime companion of Greek PM Alexis Tsipras and the mother of his two young sons, has recently drawn the limelight on herself, following Tsipras’ election victory. More favorable – and highly exaggerated – coverage has even gone as far as to describe her as Tsipras’ Eleanor Roosevelt or Greece’s Evita.

For much of the press there’s an interest in the love story that began during the pupils’ sit-ins some 25 years ago. From sleeping at their desks during protests, the unwed couple and parents of two sons hardly seem to have become conventional despite their pending move to a one-family residence in a leafy neighborhood known as Athens’ diplomatic row, and very close to the pricey private school where their eldest will begin classes next year.

Corriere della Sera says she is the “muse” that inspires Tsipras and likens her to the iconic cartoon sketch Mafalda, who is a symbol of middle class and progressive youth concerned about humanity, but in an innocent manner. Others still, liken her to mythical Penelope, waiting for her Odysseus to come home while fighting off suitors.

Betty rarely, if ever, speaks to the press, but despite being publicity-shy people speak of a defiant and dynamic woman. It is said that it was her idea to locate a young African woman who resides in Greece as Tsipras’ companion — instead of accompanying him herself — to a “prim and proper” event at the presidential mansion in 2008.