The Greek Left Alliance (ELAS), the new party under Alexis Tsipras, which was officially presented in Thiseio, has provoked a wide range of reactions since last night.

Both the choice of name and logo, as well as the ideological references in the founding declaration, triggered a wave of reactions on TV panels and social media from former allies of the former Prime Minister, as well as sitting MPs and political figures.

One of the first to comment was his former coalition partner, Panos Kammenos. In a social media post, he published an image of a logo reading “EDES” with the title “Greek Right National Alliance,” writing pointedly: “When ELAS appears… for the Gorgopotamos action it is necessary…”

The reactions were joined by Nikos Karanikas, former Strategic Planning adviser at the Prime Minister’s Office during Tsipras’ tenure. Speaking on SKAI, he said:
“Alexis Tsipras has, since 2019, aimed to insult and ridicule the meaning, memory, and ethics of the Left. He uses an acronym that has nothing to do with personal, privately run parties. Instead of thinking politically, he thinks in marketing terms. Acronyms with historical weight should not become products of advertising agencies. It is offensive.”

He added:
“Tsipras’ intention was to do rebranding, reaching from the centre to the Left. He started with ‘democratic capitalism’ and, as he realized there was no response from the centre, instead of rebranding he ended up doing a reunion. He has gathered those who didn’t challenge him much. I call them ‘scraps,’ because my mother was a seamstress and that’s how I learned to speak,” he concluded.

“I will not go to Tsipras’ party”

Describing the new political project as a “personal party,” former SYRIZA minister Panos Skourletis said the gathering in Thiseio was “a meeting standing on the ruins of the space of renewing the Left,” adding that “you cannot create momentum from ashes.”

On the other hand, SYRIZA MP Giorgos Karameros welcomed the party’s creation, stating online that:
“The Greek Left Alliance. Alexis Tsipras announced from Thiseio the name of his new party. The acronym ELAS carries strong symbolism, patriotic reading, and is sacred for the Left and Greece. The alliance is desirable.”

First reactions from government officials

Government ministers Adonis Georgiadis and Takis Theodorikakos also commented on the new party.

Georgiadis wrote sarcastically that the name raises questions about whether Tsipras is returning to his communist roots and criticized his rebranding efforts, describing him as “the same old known, unpleasant, historically inaccurate and bitter Alexis Tsipras.” He added that “the country needs a shock of honesty and democracy,” while making further political attacks.

Theodorikakos, on his part, criticized Tsipras for not addressing issues such as taxation, the bank closures, and past political rhetoric, accusing him of ignoring key aspects of his governance.

Dozens of endorsements

Meanwhile, several figures from the political space who attended the Thiseio event have already begun publicly signing the founding declaration of the new party. Tsipras also called on supporters to join via a digital platform.

George Krikris wrote on Facebook that joining Tsipras is a “clear YES to participation in a new journey for a broad progressive formation and a governing Left.”

On the other hand, Nikos Bistis commented humorously on the acronym ELAS and historical references, while others, such as Aris Stylianou, expressed optimism about the new political initiative, calling for “seriousness and hard work for a better Greece.”