Alexis Tsipras’ speech at the Parliament’s Council of Europe event sparked reactions and comments, especially as he alluded to a possible “return” in a cryptic manner.
The former Prime Minister and SYRIZA leader raised concerns about human rights violations regarding the prohibition of minority associations in Thrace and sharply criticized the judiciary’s handling of the wiretapping scandal. His remarks displeased Georgia Adelini, Supreme Court prosecutor, who then exited the room.
When Despina Chatzivasileiou-Tsovili, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly, observed, “We sensed the presence of the leader of the main opposition in your speech,” Tsipras replied, “Let this cup pass from me.”
Tsipras outlined what he termed “deficits” in the protection of rights and the rule of law, making particular reference to minority associations in Thrace.
Adelini’s Reaction and Departure
Regarding the wiretapping scandal, Tsipras criticized the judiciary’s leadership, stating, “We can reasonably hope that the Council of Europe’s institutions will also help address the largest blots and open wounds of the rule of law in our country that have emerged, unfortunately, in recent years. I refer, as everyone will understand, to the major scandal of mass illegal wiretapping. But mostly, I refer to the unimaginable attempts in a European country to obstruct investigations by the competent independent authority. And to the judiciary’s inability to identify those responsible and deliver justice.”
This statement appeared to upset Adelini, who left the room, prompting Tsipras to comment, “Both the executive and judicial powers, which must also listen, should stay to listen and rise to the occasion if we are to talk about a deepening of the rule of law, not a democracy in crisis.”
“I’m Here; I Haven’t Left”
Later, Tsipras responded to Chatzivasileiou-Tsovili’s comments and to a journalist’s question about his possible “return.”
“I’m here; I haven’t left,” he remarked, speaking to parliamentary correspondents. When asked, “How do you see things within SYRIZA?” he replied with a smile, “Forget about it… Let’s talk about something pleasant…”
Tsipras noted that parliamentary dialogue “has been significantly downgraded due to fragmentation and the many parties.” When asked if “raising the entry threshold to 5%” would help, he responded, “You don’t know how that will work. It might even strengthen certain forces.”
