The belief that Alexis Tsipras maintains strong bonds of trust with a large part of society was expressed by Theoni Koufounikolakou, speaking on the show Direct with Giorgos Evgenidis.

Theoni Koufounikolakou on Direct

The spokesperson of ELAS argued that the 2015 negotiation period was dramatic but laid the foundations for the country’s next economic phase, while also presenting key aspects of the new political entity’s programmatic positions.

Ms. Koufounikolakou first referred to her personal background and her acquaintance with Alexis Tsipras, clarifying that she did not have a personal relationship with him before their cooperation. As she said, she met him while working in the office of then Deputy Finance Minister Giorgos Chouliarakis during the 2015 negotiations.

Referring to 2015, she argued that there was no rupture in Tsipras’s relationship of trust with citizens, despite it being a difficult and dramatic period that caused disappointment for many. She stressed that during 2015–2019 the foundations for economic growth were re-established, while a commitment to debt restructuring was secured and a reduction in the poverty risk index was recorded.

However, she acknowledged that measures taken during that period, especially those affecting the middle class, fueled distrust among parts of society.

The spokesperson of the new political entity argued that the narrative of “technocrats solving problems” has now been dismantled, noting that the country still faces serious issues such as rising poverty and state dysfunction. In this context, she presented a model of political consultation planned by the new political movement, aiming for systematic communication with citizens through a digital platform and mapping of real social problems.

In response to questions about the composition of the new political formation, she argued that Tsipras is pursuing a new approach regarding the people surrounding him. She said this is not a “facade,” but a conscious choice to give space to individuals with social experience, expertise, and professional backgrounds. Referring to developments in “New Left,” she expressed appreciation for Efi Achtsioglou, saying she is “like a train,” and noted that in ELAS everyone is welcome but cannot enter with guaranteed privileges or reserved positions.

On economic policy, she defended the proposal for a “patriotic contribution” on highly profitable companies, explaining that the goal is to create fiscal space to strengthen the welfare state and support vulnerable groups. She clarified that the measure is not intended to be permanent. At the same time, she announced tax reductions for salaried workers and middle incomes, noting that any tax increases would apply only to very high incomes, while proposals for freelancers will be presented with full costing in the near future.

When asked about Tsipras personally, she said she trusts him because she considers him “honest and courageous,” adding that what moves her is that he is a politician with “empathy and compassion.” She stated that ELAS’s ultimate goal is to govern the country through programmatic positions and systematic work.

Regarding possible cooperation in the center-left space, she avoided opening the discussion, saying that PASOK should clarify its position. She also declined to comment on the actions of other political groups, such as Ms. Karystianou, stating she does not wish to engage in petty political discussions.