«Humanity is at a very critical point to proceed on the basis of doctrines and recipes that have failed», says in an article in «Kathimerini della Kyriaki», the President of SYRIZA, Alexis Tsipras, and notes that «For the first time in four decades, the dominance of the neoliberal doctrine based on the ideas of the right is being challenged in such a clear way.».
Explaining his position, he argues: «The pandemic, the climate crisis and movements for the protection of rights are bringing back to the fore values and needs that have been forgotten or neglected. First and foremost, the need to protect human life with strong health and social welfare systems. Secondly, the need to stop the destruction of the planet. Third, the need to restore social cohesion, which has been dangerously disrupted by the frenzied exacerbation of inequalities between the developed and developing worlds, and within Western societies.».
It makes reference to the President of the United States, Joe Biden, noting that it «brought the debate back to common sense. And it is almost certainly what Biden's stance implies will sooner or later affect Europe as well.».
Tsipras then goes on to attack the Greek government, claiming: «...defending the old world. It is not following Biden's initiatives to raise the minimum wage, to tax the great wealth with new tools, to strengthen the state's intervention in the market, but is inspired by what Mr Mitsotakis himself was saying during the election campaign from the stage of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair in 2017: “I have no illusions about a society without inequalities. Such a thing is contrary to human nature.” The problem with Mr Mitsotakis' strategy is not that he belongs to the Right. It is that vigorously defends the principles of a world that seems to have come full circle. And although he himself through communication wants to present every retrogressive reform as an evolution, in essence is not able to understand the tectonic changes that are taking place and causing the pandemic at all levels.».
It makes specific reference to the subject of the work: «At a time when the global labour market is changing, fiscal space is available and the public debate revolves around proposals to reduce working hours, Mr Mitsotakis is planning reforms out of the mothballs of Reagan and Thatcher, such as the abolition of collective agreements and the eight-hour working day.».
Tsipras then sets out the outline for the next day of the pandemic«...It is extremely critical to make use of the resources of the Recovery Fund and the new ESPA, in a way that finally transforming the production model in a sustainable direction, spreading the benefits to the whole of society, protecting small and medium-sized enterprises and reducing inequalities. European resources to finance the necessary transformations towards a new productive model characterised by a shift towards quality products and services with high added value. Because Greece cannot and should not compete with other countries on the basis of reducing labour costs, therefore wages, but on the basis of increasing productivity by integrating collective knowledge, research, and innovation.
It is crucial that productive and technological reconstruction be combined with Green Transition and Digital Transformation the economy. And to build a modern, efficient and decentralised state with the active participation of society. Because only a strong society can drive the development process, not markets. Therefore, reforms must aim at a universal welfare state, a guarantor of real social security.».
In conclusion, Mr Tsipras said: «It is a national necessity at this historic turning point. the country to be on the right side of history. But this requires another, progressive government. One that, on the basic dividing line, steadfastly takes the side of the majority. The people of toil and creation. After all, they created Greece and not the few families who took their profits abroad in the days of the crisis, who are still living in it today and expect to be the main beneficiaries of the Recovery Fund.
