Tsipras, Alexis, 1974–, Greek political leader. A civil engineer by training, he was the head (2008–13) of Snyaspismos, a leftist party that was part of the Coalition of the Radical Left (Syriza); it was dissolved when Syriza became a party in 2013. After his election to the Greek parliament in 2009, he became head of Syriza. In the two 2012 elections, he led Syriza to increased representation in parliament while running on an anti-austerity platform. Aided by a Greek economy in depression, Tsipras led Syriza to a plurality in Jan., 2015, and formed a coalition government with the right-wing Independent Greeks party. Despite being forced by the European Union to agree to austerity measures, he led his coalition to reelection in Sept., 2015. He also served as foreign minister from Oct., 2018. He stepped down as prime minister after his party lost the July, 2019, elections.
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