The European Left Party announced at its 4th Congress, held in Madrid on December 14, that Alexis Tsipras, leader of the main opposition 'Coalition of Radical Left' (SYRIZA) would be its candidate for European Commission president.

Following his nomination by a majority of 84.1 % Tsipras stressed that the upcoming European Parliament elections - in May 2014 - are more than a conventional political contest; they are a "crucial political battle" to reestablish Europe on a new foundation that put people first. The neoliberal policies, favoured by the popular right and social-democratic forces dominating European politics, had built a Europe that redistributed wealth in favour of the rich and powerful, while sinking the poor and weak into increasing poverty and destitution.