I would like to express my gratitude to the STOP & THINK Network (Δίκτυο Στάσου & Σκέψου) for providing me with a platform in Xanthi on April 5, 2025, at the event entitled "Is There a Progressive Alternative?"
Only through meaningful and honest dialogue can we articulate positions, viewpoints, and proposals that speak to our present reality—and this is essential.
Here is a brief summary of my remarks:
“I stand before you with feelings of disillusionment about our past, anxiety about our present, and deep concern for the future of our society. We find ourselves at a critical crossroads where the choices we make today will shape our trajectory for years to come.
The most pressing need is profound and substantive political transformation—a necessity that became starkly evident following the demonstrations after the Tempe tragedy. We require truth and justice, and a state that responds effectively to the needs of its citizens.
For this reason, I believe we must wage four essential battles that form the core components of a progressive alternative:
1) The Battle Against the Old Order: We face a system where the same families perpetuate their grip on power with obsolete ideas, suffocating innovation and creativity. The 'new' represents our collective resolve to break free from the chains of conservatism—a resolve that transcends age. We must listen to what the people are saying and feeling, and transform this into genuine political discourse.
2) The Battle Against Corruption: Corruption has poisoned our public life, eroding trust in our institutions. We witness widespread impunity while society suffers under the weight of injustice. Corruption extends beyond mere bribery to include cronyism—where individuals willingly compromise their institutional integrity to repay those who have favored them.
3) The Battle Against Elite Dominance: We cannot dismiss every pro-people policy as populism. Insular groups, disconnected from society, monopolize power while ignoring the genuine needs of the majority. We can no longer tolerate fear-mongering or appeals to hypocritical and manufactured consensus. Our voices must ring out clearly through the honest confrontation of values and positions—strategic inaction inevitably leads to deadlock.
4) The Battle Against Falsehood: We must remain vigilant against demagogues who peddle easy solutions and deliberately sow destructive divisions. Political history has shown us that liars and thieves may prosper in their first year, but building politics on hypocrisy or self-serving motives is ultimately an exercise in public deception.
I believe in a combative Democracy—one where citizens serve as both advisors and watchdogs, not merely as voters. We need energy and collective courage to transform our system, demanding truth, justice, and authentic expression of both heart and mind.
These fronts, of course, represent only half the equation. The other half requires genuine conviction and the translation of our values into realistic, concrete policy positions.
Real change demands determination, honest self-reflection, and a commitment to hard work.
Let us forge new paths before it becomes too late.”
