In his statement, Manolis Glezos explains his reasons for accepting Alexis Tsipras’s proposal to run as a candidate in the upcoming European elections, just before turning 92 (he was born on September 9, 1922).

“The reason is obvious: in the dark times we live in, I have no right to abstain” states the veteran leftist and goes on to add that his candidacy is the culmination of his struggle for the collection of the German reparations.

“There is also a special, personal reason: the escalation of the struggle for the collection of WWII war reparations from Germany. My fellow fighters who perished in battle, were executed or died proudly call on me to represent them.”