Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras described his time at Harvard University as a "unique experience," highlighting meetings with prominent academics, researchers, and students.
In a social media post, Mr. Tsipras noted that his time away from Greece's political turmoil allowed him to view events with greater objectivity.
He emphasized that discussions with experts across various disciplines provided valuable insights into governance, policy, and social issues.
One key encounter was with political philosopher Michael Sandel, with whom he discussed the Greek economic crisis and the ethical dilemmas of governance, particularly during Greece’s tumultuous period in 2015.
Mr. Tsipras also explored Sandel’s recent book, co-authored with economist Thomas Piketty, focusing on inequality, progressive taxation, and investment in the welfare state.
Reflecting on Greek political discourse, Mr. Tsipras expressed interest in Sandel’s views on "meritocracy," a concept debated in Greece in 2019, especially regarding governance. His remarks come amid ongoing political debates in Greece over education, social mobility, and public administration.
He concluded that his Harvard visit provided a rare opportunity to step back from immediate political pressures and engage in deeper discussions about policy, democracy, and social justice.