Alexis Tsipras

Abstract

This chapter follows the evolution of Alexis Tsipras’ radical Left political leadership in its shift from an inclusive to a personalized model as well as from a maverick to a mainstream style. Drawing on an institutionalist approach to leadership, it analyses the historical factors that shaped Tsipras’ ideas and actions as well as the structural constraints that circumscribed his attempt to put forward and implement his progressive policy programme. The policy project he pursued is argued to have become broader over time, as Tsipras was transformed from figurehead of alternative youth politics to representative of the interests of the wide array of social strata that lifted SYRIZA to government power. A brief attempt to discuss Tsipras’ legacy highlights his contribution to Greece’s party system and democracy as well as the consequences of his leadership for the future of the international left.