Syriza's Defeat Paves the Way for Far-Right Rule in Greece

The parliamentary elections in Greece on January 25 concluded with the victory of the leftist party Syriza; a result that was predictable due to numerous polls before the elections. However, Syriza, having won 149 out of 300 parliamentary seats, could not form a government alone. Therefore, just one day after the election results were announced, Syriza formed a coalition with the right-wing party 'Independent Greeks.' The two parties agreed on one point: opposition to the austerity measures of previous Greek governments. According to news reports, Alexis Tsipras, the leader of Syriza, stated that 'Greece has overcome disastrous austerity and five years of humiliation and suffering have ended.' His remarks referred to reports concerning layoffs, wage cuts, pension reductions, high unemployment rates, and other issues. For instance, according to the website Tamin 24, Greece's GDP has decreased by more than 25% in recent years, and its national debt has risen from about 100% to over 170% of GDP. The unemployment rate has also increased to over 25%, with youth unemployment around 60%. But what are the plans of this leftist party, which dates back to 2004? Before the elections, the party became known for its 'Thessaloniki program,' outlining its proposed changes. Discussions on Greece's debt, similar to what occurred in 1953 regarding Germany, tax payment suspensions to revive the economy, at least $4 billion in public investment in the country, increasing pensions, restoring Christmas bonuses for retirees, providing economic incentives to small and medium enterprises to boost employment, deepening democracy, and raising income tax for all incomes over 500,000 euros are among the program's contents. Other points include providing electricity for 300,000 poor households up to 300 kilowatt-hours per month, food subsidies for 300,000 income-less households, raising the minimum wage, and combating tax evasion and smuggling. Radio Farda interviewed 'Orestis Dolos,' a member of Syriza's central committee, about the reasons for the party's victory and the policies of the coalition government in Greece. How did Syriza become the largest party in Greece? The first reason is the existence of a massive economic crisis that divided society into left and right. People realized that the parties they previously voted for were unable to solve the problems. In other words, the economic crisis also created a significant crisis in the political system. This led people, especially the working class, to desire a different system. The second reason is that Syriza has proposed specific suggestions regarding power since 2012. Syriza has formed a coalition government and is ruling Greece. What are the first tasks for this government in both domestic and foreign arenas? The new government announced its willingness to fully implement its program from day one. This program includes reforms benefiting the working class, such as raising the minimum wage and rehiring those government employees who were laid off due to austerity policies. A complete halt to privatization policies and agreements with the European Union and global financial institutions is also on the government's agenda, as previously stated in Syriza's program. What obstacles does the new Greek government face? As a member of Syriza's central committee with a communist inclination, I believe the new government wants to please everyone, which is impossible. Serious actions benefiting Greece's working class cannot be taken while maintaining good relations with EU leaders who represent the interests of the ruling class. Therefore, we should soon expect serious conflicts between the new government and the EU. What do you think about the future role of the church in Greece? The church has many privileges in Greece. Unfortunately, the government has no intention of reducing these privileges. We believe that socializing church properties would provide an opportunity to use its substantial income for actions benefiting the working class. However, the coalition with the Independent Greeks party does not help move in this direction. The coalition with this nationalist and bourgeois party provides a suitable excuse for the government to moderate its demands and plans regarding the abolition of the church's financial privileges. My next question is which classes and groups can support the new government? Is there a possibility of a change in support for Syriza? Without activating the labor movement, change will be impossible. Syriza must call for the establishment of a movement to defend its programs. The government must be pressured by the working class to not back down from its programs. This pressure must be very heavy. The middle class should also join the labor movement and support the full implementation of leftist programs in Greece. Given Syriza's 36% vote in the elections, can we say that the government does not have majority support in Greece? No, on the contrary, public support for the government is very high. However, the government must activate them. There is a lot of enthusiasm among workers and youth in favor of the government, and Syriza must make the most of this widespread support. In your opinion, what impact will Syriza's victory have in Europe? People across Europe see Syriza's victory as a source of hope for the cancellation and abandonment of austerity policies. If Syriza succeeds, then people in Europe will lean left to find solutions in their favor. Syriza must seek support from the people of Europe because we Greeks and they have common interests. It should be noted that the request for support from Europeans is very important because the ruling class in Europe wants Greece not to become a model for the people. And if Syriza fails? If Syriza fails, a great despair will engulf the people of Greece and Europe. This will pave the way for the rise of a far-right government in Greece with even more austerity measures.