With Alexis Tsipras stepping down from Parliament and preparing for his forthcoming book on his government’s record, attention has turned to the core team of collaborators surrounding the former prime minister. Their influence will likely shape both his public initiatives and the potential establishment of a new political platform.
Tsipras’ inner circle operates primarily from his office on Leoforos Amalias, serving as the hub for meetings, strategic discussions, and public engagements. This network blends experienced political figures with younger advisors, forming a flexible structure rather than a formal organizational hierarchy, particularly since Tsipras no longer leads a party.
Two key figures maintain formal roles through the Alexis Tsipras Institute for Peace, Justice, and Sustainable Development: Michalis Kalogirou and Gianna Pepe.
Michalis Kalogirou, a lawyer, previously served as Secretary-General of the government (2015–2018) and later as Minister of Justice (2018–2019). As director of Tsipras’ political office, both during his time as opposition leader and after leaving SYRIZA’s leadership, Kalogirou is regarded as one of the most influential and trusted advisors in his inner circle.
Gianna Pepe, also a lawyer, has worked closely with Tsipras since his government years. She served as Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, including during key periods of strategic decision-making. Her experience spans advisory roles in the Legal Office of the Prime Minister and service under caretaker PM Vasiliki Thanou in 2015.
Another longstanding advisor is diplomat Vangelis Kalpadakis, who now serves at the OSCE Permanent Mission in Vienna. Kalpadakis, with experience from Tsipras’ premiership (2015–2019), remains a trusted interlocutor on foreign policy and international affairs.
Financial policy advice comes from George Chouliarakis, former Deputy Minister of Finance, and Dimitris Liakos, former Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister. Both maintain close ties with Tsipras and could take formal roles in the Alexis Tsipras Institute. Their approach is characterized by realism and discretion, avoiding public spectacle while shaping key policy perspectives.
Other prominent members include Kostas Gavroglou, former Minister of Education (2016–2019), who continues to publicly support Tsipras’ initiatives and the Institute’s activities, and Giorgos Vassiliadis, former Deputy Minister of Sports and former Secretary of SYRIZA’s Central Committee, who participates in organizational discussions.
Longtime media advisors such as columnist and writer Thanasis Karteros and press office director Andreas Bousios ensure effective communication of Tsipras’ positions and the activities of his institute.
This network, combining institutional experience, policy expertise, and strategic advisory, positions Alexis Tsipras for an influential post-parliamentary role, balancing public engagement with the careful cultivation of a trusted inner circle.
