Maria Gratsia, lawyer and close collaborator of Maria Karystianou, has publicly defended the latter amid scrutiny over a property acquired through a public auction by a fund-linked company in which Karystianou holds a stake. Gratsia emphasized that ‘nothing is hidden’, noting that all relevant details are publicly accessible — primarily through the Hellenic Cadastre.
Auction Purchase Was Corporate, Not Personal
Speaking on Naftemporiki TV on Friday, 3 July 2026, Gratsia argued that media coverage had misrepresented the facts, using what she called ‘sensational headlines’ and shifting focus from the actual legal entity involved to Karystianou personally. The property was purchased not by Karystianou herself, but by a company established in 2022 — co-founded with her then-partner, real estate professional Yiannis Moysidis. ‘Instead of naming the company, they name Ms. Karystianou,’ Gratsia pointed out.
She stressed transparency: ‘Anyone can log into the Cadastre and view the records. There is nothing hidden.’
Timing Raises Questions
Gratsia linked the sudden emergence of the issue to the official launch of the website for ‘Elpida gia tin Dimokratia’ (Hope for Democracy), the political initiative led by Karystianou. She noted that both this property matter and another concerning a resignation surfaced ‘immediately after’ the site’s announcement.
She also hinted at a specific individual who, according to her, had known about the transaction for 16 months — yet chose to raise it only now. ‘This person knew about it 16 months ago and suddenly remembered to bring it up after 16 months,’ she said.
Gratsia dismissed suggestions that any attempt had been made to obscure or resolve the matter quietly. ‘No solution has been proposed, no changes made,’ she stated, adding that such maneuvers are typical of those seeking to ‘erase traces’.
Background of the Property Deal
Public records show Karystianou serves as administrator and holds a 50% stake in the company that acquired the property via auction. The asset — previously seized — was purchased for €30,457, a sum below its objective valuation. The case drew criticism due to Karystianou’s high-profile role in ‘Elpida gia tin Dimokratia’, a newly launched civic-political initiative aiming to promote democratic renewal in Greece.
Karystianou’s Earlier Response
Karystianou herself had previously rejected allegations of personal involvement, calling them a targeted attack. She reiterated that the transaction was strictly corporate and tied to a business venture launched with Moysidis in 2022.