Alexis Tsipras in Prague with Pierre Laurent and the KSČM

Published on Friday, 02 May 2014 13:35

“The shameful Samaras-Venizelos coalition government will be judged by voters in the upcoming European elections this May,” predicted Alexis Tsipras, the leader of SYRIZA and candidate on behalf of the European Left for President of the European Commission addressing supporters in Prague, noting,” on May 25^th, we’re voting for Europe and for our lives.”

Joined on the campaign trail by Pierre Laurent, head of the PCF (France), Tsipras met with members of the KSČM, before speaking to students at Charles University, the largest and oldest university in Prague. Discussing the ills facing Greece--and in other parts of Europe affected by austerity policies, Tsipras spoke about unemployment and fewer social benefits, in addition to answering the students' questions.

Aiming sharp criticism at the Greek government, Tsipras questioned, “What European government would tolerate having 3 million uninsured—or 1/3 of the population, 6 out of 10 not going to the doctor due to financial reasons and 30% unemployment?” He continued, “It will be for these reasons that the Samaras-Venizelos government will be judged, and why the rise of the European Left will be the positive surprise of the coming elections.”

Tsipras also critized Jean Claude Juncker, President of the Eurogroup from 2005-2013 and candidate of the EPP for president of the European Commission, regarding his statements on Cyprus and his attempts to present a positive image of himself to the Greek and Cypriot people. According to Tsipras, “Juncker must believe that the Cypriots must have the memory of goldfish to have already forgotten his actions in Eurogroup and the policies of his ally, Mrs. Merkel, that threw Cyprus to the wolves.”

Juncker systematically pushed Cyprus into the hands of its lenders, insisting that a “haircut” for account holders in Cyprus was unavoidable. “Now he wants to present himself as Cyprus’ protector,” stated Tsipras.