Evidently moved by his victory, Alexis Tsipras, leader of SYRIZA and winner of tonight’s Greek elections, addressed thousands of people in front of the Athens University.
“The Greek people have given their order. Greece is turning the page. Greece is leaving behind five years of pain and is moving forward steadily. SYRIZA and our people are a distinct example of a changing Europe.”
Alexis Tsipras, added: “Today, we have a feast, a feast but tomorrow we start working hard. The verdict of the Greek people is quite clear. Your own verdict cancels all Memoranda of austerity and destruction and places the Troika in the past for our common European framework. We are fully aware that the Greek people are not giving us a “blank check” today but what they are giving is an order for national revival and for the restoration of our country’s social cohesion. “
Mr Tsipras in a unifying tone further stated:
“We will form a government comprised of all Greek women and men. We will ttrust each and every Greek separately. We will fight to rebuild our country based on justice and decency. Today, there are no winners and losers. Today the Greece of the elite and of concealment has been defeated. “
He continued: “If someone won today it is the Greece of toil, of creativity, of knowledge and culture. The fighting Greece, which seeks space and time. I want to thank all of you and above all those who are in every corner of Europe, who have shown an unprecedented wave of support and solidarity to the Greek people. “
Referring to the negotiations between Greece and its partners Mr. Tsipras said:
“With a common interest all the people of Europe I want to assure you that the new Greek government will be ready to associate and to negotiate with its partners for a fair, beneficial and sustainable solution.”
He added: “In this frank dialogue, in this important negotiation, Greece will come with its own documented proposals with its own 4-year plan of fiscal policy. Without new deficits, and impossible surpluses. With its own proposals for its debt and reconstruction of the country. “
Indeed, referring to those who predict failure he said:
“The new Greek government will deny all doom inside and outside the country. There will not be a continuance of subjugation. We have before us a great opportunity for a new beginning in Greece and Europe. “
“Our priority is for the country and the people to regain their lost dignity.”
The SYRIZA leader concluded: “Come, lets lift the sun over Greece. The sun of justice and dignity.”
It is worth noting that SYRIZA has yet to gain the percentage points needed to form a majority government. So far the two parties which SYRIZA is seeking to form a coalition with are not co-operating.
To Potami, lead by journalist Stavros Theodorakis and The Independent Greeks lead by Panos Kammenos are Mr Tsipras’ only prefered options but it seems that neither of the two wants to co-operate if the other is part of the coalition! It looks like it may be a long night for Alexis Tsipras!