Alexis Tsipras of Syriza is far from Greek orthodox: The Communist 'Harry Potter' who could implode the Eurozone

23/1/2015

The leader of the Greek left-wing party may be just 40, but if Tsipras assumes power in Sunday's snap elections he could change Europe forever

Alexis Tsipras, a former Communist and committed anti-austerity cheerleader who has been compared to Harry Potter, could radically change Europe. Here's what you need to know about him.

Boy wizard

Tsipras, leader of Syriza (Coalition of the Radical Left), was likened to JK Rowling's fictional wizard by Greece's current deputy prime minister, Evangelos Venizelos, for making fantastical promises that he won't be able to keep. He said: "Tsipras promises paradise on earth without sacrifices, a return to prosperity in some sort of magical way, as if he was Harry Potter."

Unorthodox family life

Still with his family sweetheart, and still unmarried, Tsipras and partner Peristera Batziaka have been together for two decades and they have two young sons. They met at school, and became members of the Communist Youth of Greece. If Tsipras assumes power on Sunday, he'll be the first unmarried Greek prime minister - a big change for a socially conservative country. The couple even named their second son after Ernesto Che Guevara. Batziaka has been described by the Greek media as "strong-willed, militant and dynamic" as well as publicity-shy.

Inexperienced

It's no shock that a 40-year-old might not have too much experience as the leader of a nation, but it's made some nervous. "Syriza's trump card is this: he has never ruled and was not 'in charge' of the crisis," Venizelos told La Stampa.

"Technically, the debt is sustainable, we pay 40 per cent less interest than in 2010. And this is exactly the point of disagreement with Syriza, which argues that the debt is unsustainable because Greece will never be able to repay it all." Arguing this this is no time for optimistic rhetoric, Venizelos added: "The problems remain and they beg for solutions."

Informal

Tsipras stands out from conventional politicians. He eschews neck ties and has a more informal manner with supporters. German newspaper Spiegel describe him as walking "up to the lectern like Elvis strutting onstage".

Brussels is nervous

Tsipras has pledged to reverse the austerity measures imposed on Greece, and many fear he will refuse to repay the €240 billion (£184 billion) that Greece owes creditors. Tsipras has said: "Austerity is not part of the European treaties; democracy and the principle of popular sovereignty are." Writing in the Financial Times on Wednesday, he said: "A Syriza government will respect Greece’s obligation, as a eurozone member, to maintain a balanced budget, and will commit to quantitative targets."

Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, warned against Greece trying to haggle down the debt this week in an interview with the Irish Times: "Collective endeavours are welcome," she said, "but at the same time a debt is a debt and it is a contract."

People power

His party is currently ahead in the polls. Syriza commands 35 per cent of the projected votes, well ahead of right-wing New Democracy (currently part of the governing coalition) who have 31 per cent. By promising to raise the minimum wage, give food and electricity  and create 300,000 new jobs, Tsipras has become incredibly popular with struggling Greeks. Around a quarter of Greek people are unemployed, and over 200,000 Greeks have left the country since the financial crisis, which started in 2010. Since jobs were cut, prostitution had soared by 150 per cent by 2013, with some women forced to sell their bodies for just €5 a go. There's no doubt that Tspiras' anti-austerity promises have captured the public's heart.

Πηγή