Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) leader Alexis Tsipras held an open discussion on Twitter on Wednesday. “The participation in the elections concerns all the generations and all the ages,” he said. “It concerns the future.” Mr. Tsipras said that “the government is afraid of youth” explaining that this is the reason why the government did not allow 18 year-olds to vote. He said that the current elections are a historic opportunity for Greece and he urged voters to not just think of their own interests but also consider those in society that have been excluded.
* Mr. Tsipras also made reference to Greek tax policy by stating that a broadening of the tax base without an increase in tax rates is necessary.
* He placed himself against primary residence foreclosure.
* He said that the ceiling of the installment for private debt to the State and Social Security funds will be at 30% of the debtors income, adding that incentives will be given to workers for the management of bankrupt enterprises.
* “Those who want to have private stations will have to dig in their pockets,” he said when asked about what will happen with indebted TV networks.
* He placed himself against privatizations, noting that they were the 7-year sell-out did not assist in the reduction of public debt and refered to the Hellenic Privatisations Fund (TAIPED) as “a nursery of scandals”. He said utilities (communications, water supply, electricity) should be under the control of the State.
* An end to clientelism in public administration was promised. “We must show confidence in the public administration and there will be a decongestion of the crowds of advisors. We will become a normal state,” he said.
* On migration, Mr. Tsipras said it is a European co-responsibility. Moreover, he stated that a SYRIZA government will abolish the current reception centers and hospitality centers at the entrance points of immigrants will be created. He said that his party aims to respect the international treaties for asylum and citizenship will be granted to Greek-born immigrant children.
* He said that State-Church relations would benefit both sides.
* He said that better policing was required and that Greece did not want a police state, adding that his party would disarm the police officers that come in contact with demonstrators while special units for the prevention of violent incidents will be established.
* Mr. Tsipras said that the public healthcare system is of strategic importance.
* He said high security prisons (known as prisons C) are against the Constitution and the principles of the rule of law. He refered to jail facilities, stating “the conditions are dramatic and they make you feel embarrassed.”
* He said he wants Greece to be a bridge of friendship between Europe and the Arab world.
* He said that what happened to national carrier Olympic Airways was a crime.
He also said he would continue giving interviews with the public on the internet even after he is allected noting that “our power is not the TV channels nor will they be the day after” stating that people’s trust is what concerns him the most. He said that conservative New Democracy (ND) Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ interview on public broadcaster NERIT downgrades journalism, adding that Mr. Samaras is avoiding public debate because he doesn’t have arguments.
