IERAPETRA, Crete — Main opposition SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance President Alexis Tsipras on Thursday accused the government of mistakes, u-turns, arrogance and amateurism in its handling of issues while speaking in Ierapetra, during the first stop of his two-day visit to Crete. He also called for resistance to the government's plans for the closure and merger of public hospitals.

"The country once again finds itself on an open avenue of anxiety when they were telling us that we are on the last mile," Tsipras said, while urging those present to get vaccinated and observe all protective measures.

The main opposition leader visited Ierapetra's hospital and was briefed by staff about the pandemic in the region and the problems facing the hospital. Afterwards, he sent a message to the government "not to dare to proceed with this dreadful plan during the pandemic for the merger or closure of hospitals and of cuts in healthcare staff."

The pandemic should have already shown the need to strengthen both the national health system and public hospitals, not weaken them, he added.

"These ideoleptical obsessions are disastrous. The citizens, and we with them, will not allow these disastrous policy choices to be implemented. It is a time for alertness…a time for social responsibility. It is also a time to fight to strengthen the national health system, to fight for the primary healthcare structures, to strengthen the social state. To build a humane and powerful state," Tsipras said.

Tsipras's next stop is the Agios Nikolaos Chamber, where he will meet with local associations at 13:00. On Friday he will visit the prefecture of Iraklio for a meeting at the Iraklio Chamber at 11:00 and deliver a speech at the Mikro Koule dock at 20:00.