Tsipras' atheism causes "storm in a teacup"

A statement by main opposition SYRIZA head of religious affairs bureau Yannis Amanatidis that party chief Alexis Tsipras is an atheist has led to a war of words from political opponents and a flurry of comments on social media.

The comment was made by Mr Amanitidis during a television show, causing a cascade of announcements and comments from all sides.

On Monday, New Democracy spokesperson Simos Kedikoglou noted in an interview on a Greek radio station that citizens should be privy to such information. However, the head of SYRIZA was also attacked by government reform minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and New Democracy mp Fevronia Patrianakou. Mr Mitsotakis stated that he cared not if Mr Tsipras was an atheist, but ehether he had ever worked a day in his life, while Ms Patrianakou linked the issue with the chuch asking how Mr Tsipras' beliefs would affect church – state relations if he were to become premier.

Returning fire, SYRIZA mp Thodoris Dritsas accused New Democracy of playing the role of “holy inquisitor,” since through its “communications fireworks is attempting to take attention off real problems.”

The ruckus began after the statement by Mr Amanatidis when New Democracy, through an announcement, stated that it was Mr Tsipras' right to be an atheist, but the Greek people must know what Mr Tsipras believes in, urging the main opposition party to confirm or deny the statement.

At the same time that announcement noted that “we remind that SYRIZA's official program foresees taxation of those who state they are Orthodox Christians, as presented recently to the Greek people by T. Kourakis. We hope the enmity of SYRIZA against Orthodox Christians is not due to the fact that Mr Tsipras is an atheist.”

The immediate answer from SYRIZA mentioned a downward slide for Antonis Samaras, saying thet New Democracy is threatening with “hand grenades,” and are involving the President of the Republic and even the Church in their plans. Where will Mr. Samaras' downhill slide end?”

The row has sparked off commentary on social media with many wondering why a leftist party even has a bureau for religious affairs, while others decry the seeming dislike of Christians shown by the party, but their support of religious minorities and even radical Islam.