High-profile resignations are rocking the newly formed political party ELPIDA for Democracy, founded by Maria Karytsianou. The movement — launched with promises of civic renewal and democratic reform — is facing serious internal fractures, both among its founding signatories and its broader membership.
Key Departures Signal Deepening Rifts
Among the most prominent exits are those of Vassilis Kokotsakis, technical advisor and expert witness for families of victims of the Tempe train disaster, and retired Air Marshal Athanasios Papanikolaou.
Kokotsakis publicly withdrew, accusing the movement of devolving into a “personal political project.” In an open letter titled A Clear Conversation and an Apology I Owe, he expressed deep regret for having lent his credibility to the initiative. He emphasized that his initial involvement stemmed from a shared commitment to truth, justice, and accountability — values he now believes have been compromised.
“On May 21, 2026, during the presentation of ELPIDA’s founding declaration, I stated publicly: ‘I hope this new beginning remains forever faithful to what gave it birth: citizens’ demand for Truth, Justice, and Responsibility.’ Today, I feel compelled to return to those words — not to revise them, but because, unfortunately, the fears I held within have now been confirmed,” Kokotsakis wrote.
He recalled his role supporting victims’ families in the Tempe tragedy — not for personal gain or influence, but out of conviction that their struggle represented an authentic societal call for justice. He joined ELPIDA believing it would channel that public outcry into meaningful political change — not create yet another party, but foster a genuine citizen-led movement against systemic decay and corruption.
Papanikolaou Cites Ideological Closure
Retired Air Marshal Athanasios Papanikolaou’s departure carries equal weight. According to Apogevmatini, he stated he no longer wishes any association with ELPIDA, having concluded that the group has shifted away from its original vision of an open, collective, democratically representative social movement. Instead, he described it as evolving into a closed circle guided by former members of the right-wing party NIKI — a development he views as fostering ideological and intellectual isolation.
Notably, Papanikolaou had earlier voiced support for ELPIDA during its Thessaloniki launch, sending a recorded message of endorsement — making his subsequent withdrawal all the more significant.
Broader Unrest Across Northern Greece
The departures come amid reports of a wider wave of resignations across northern Greece, further underscoring growing disillusionment with the party’s direction and internal dynamics.