Interview in Repubblica.it (English version)

Published on Friday, 04 April 2014 18:55

1. Mr. Tsipras you say: “I am not the candidate of Southern Europe.” Who are you representing?

I’m not representing a particular country, nationality or geographical region. I’m a candidate of the European Left, which has a distinct political and social program focused on the comprehensive, definitive and inclusive exit from the crisis and the bolstering of democracy in Europe. Our goal is to establish a democratic, social and environmentally sustainable Europe. As such, I represent all European citizens who are opposed to austerity and who champion democracy, regardless of who they’ve voted for in the past or their place of residence.

The “Other Europe“ and the European Left stand for the values of work and culture, and are committed to aiding young people, who are in danger of becoming a lost generation due to austerity. We represent all citizens, whether they are Italians, Germans, Greeks or French. My candidacy seeks to join in solidarity all those that neoliberalism hopes to divide.

The European Left can positively affect the lives of citizens. We’re interested in changing politics—not simply being a protest movement. We’re ready to shape European developments—not as frustrated bystanders, but playing a leading role.

I’m positive that the “Other Europe” in Italy, SYRIZA in Greece and the European Left, as a whole, will capture the hearts and minds of citizens in the upcoming elections this May. As the only real rival and political alternative to neoliberalism, we stand united as force for change and hope in Europe.

2. Unemployment, especially among young people, is the major challenge for you. How can you guarantee new jobs with new “recipes”?

Some of the “recipes” are not new; they were used in the New Deal. We need to put a definitive end to austerity, strengthen domestic investment through redistribution and public investment in infrastructure and innovation. We need liquidity for small businesses (SME’s)--those that can create jobs in Europe. The citizens of Europe did not bail out the banks only to have them now keep the purse-strings tightly drawn and not fund the real economy.

We’ll also encourage other economic models, such as modern cooperatives. Creating growth through jobs that support environmentally sustainable projects, while protecting the planet—our common home--is another area of focus for us. We cannot guarantee success, but we can guarantee that we will fight and do our best. With the active participation of young people, we hope to put a stop to this downward economic spiral, and give hope to an otherwise lost generation.

3. Can we say Angela Merkel is your political enemy, a sort of "devil" of Europe?

We do not see our political adversary as the devil—and there really is no need to use those kinds of terms. SYRIZA and the European Left want to do away with the policy of austerity that Angela Merkel has imposed in Europe, with the notable exception of her own country. We want a more democratic Europe, not a German-centered, neoliberal Europe.

4. Many argue for abandoning the Euro. You’ve indicated that you wish to keep euro, but do so with a different sent of policies in place. Post-elections, you will be forced to establish alliances. Are the social democrats in your sights?

Millions of European citizens support having a single currency, but do not want the policies associated with austerity that lead societies into poverty, and exacerbate the growing gap between rich and poor in all countries. Common ground can be found among those interested in acting on the demands of their citizens.

5. Is their a key country in your campaign for President of the European Commission?

We’re seeking to mobilize all of Europe--there aren’t any “key” countries for us. We promote the positions of the European Left and of SYRIZA, in countries that have member parties of the European Left, and in others, such as Italy, where we’re laying the groundwork for the future. We speak directly with citizens; after all, we’re the only ones talking about “specifics.” We’re against austerity and the use of the Memoranda as the basis for the European fiscal compact, as Mr. Schäuble has indicated support for, and has proposed is implemented after the European elections. Mr Juncker’s position is not that far off from Mr. Schäuble’s, and Mr. Schulz has avoided committing to a concrete position to date.

6. What is your opinion of Matteo Renzi and the constitutional reforms he’s attempting to pass? Do you think there’s room for dialogue between the Partito Democratico and “L’Altra Europa con Tsipras”?

Since I don’t live in Italy, I’m not in a position to comment on local politics and domestic policy matters. It’s not my place to tell the Italian government what to do or how to run things. Of course, Mr. Renzi will be judged on the choices he makes and on the results of his decisions. He’ll also be judged on the political alliances he he’s made in Europe. What appears to be the best option for Mrs. Merkel is without a doubt, a dead end for Italy, Greece and the Eurozone, as a whole.

7. The sacrifices that the Greek people have faced have been disastrous. Are things better now?

The answer to your question is “No”. The Greek Government has been celebrating the achievement of the primary surplus while turning a blind eye—and hoping that Greek citizens do the same—to the collapsed State insurance funds, businesses that are forced to close and lay off their employees despite outstanding payments due from the government, and the closures of numerous public hospitals and schools.

It’s difficult to say that things are better now when 6 out of 10 young people are unemployed, the number of chronically unemployed continues to rise, and worker protections all but non-existent due to the actions of the government and the Troika.

It’s equally difficult to say that things are better now when fear and despair dominate. The primary surplus is not a panacea. Things can get better only if new policies are put in place—our policies—to end austerity, boost domestic demand and aid those who are the poorest, and foster growth.

8. Mr Tsipras, is it possible to change the politics and direction of Europe or it is just a dream?

History is full of dreams that have become reality, because people believed and fought to make those dreams happen. We believe in, and strive to have a Europe that is based on democratic, social and ecological ideals. With the help of our supporters, we’ll make this dream a reality. These elections will be a strong beginning for us. Our numbers will be one of the positive surprises in the upcoming European elections.

Originally published in Italian: http://www.repubblica.it