‘Turbulence’ has emerged within the newly formed political movement Elpida gia ti Dimokratia (Hope for Democracy), less than a month after its launch. Following the high-profile departures of Vasilis Kokotsakis and retired Air Force General Athanasios Papanikolaou, Maria Karystianou — the movement’s founder — issued new statements reaffirming its foundational principles.
A Movement for All Citizens
Karystianou emphasized that the movement does not belong to leaders or committees, but to workers, pensioners, young people, parents — indeed, to every citizen who refuses to remain a passive observer and chooses instead to participate actively in democratic life.
Kokotsakis’ Departure Sparks Concern
In her latest post, Karystianou addressed Kokotsakis’ exit, describing it as abrupt and uncommunicated: ‘without any warning, notification, or discussion.’ She noted that his resignation letter was published publicly the same day the movement’s official website went live — a timing she described as deeply symbolic and problematic.
She characterized the reasons cited for his departure as ‘vague, clearly premature, and unjustified,’ adding that they lack grounding in any specific incident — especially striking given that the movement is now calling on society at large to join and co-create its structure. ‘This is precisely the moment we are inviting everyone to participate so the organization can be built by the many — not the few,’ she wrote.
Website Launch Marks New Phase
The official website of Elpida gia ti Dimokratia has now gone live, opening registration to citizens across Greece. According to Karystianou, thousands have already signed up. In the coming days, the movement will appoint its Provisional Political Council and other central bodies — structures designed to lead the democratic process culminating in the movement’s first national congress.
‘Today is a wonderful day for democracy,’ Karystianou wrote. ‘Today, the official website of the “Hope for Democracy” movement launched — and its doors opened to every citizen. From today, registrations begin — and with them begins the unique, historic promise we made from the very start: a movement built by the many, not the few.’
She reiterated that leadership and decision-making power lie not with individuals or small groups, but with the collective — transparently, democratically, and inclusively. ‘Our statute and our organs will emerge solely from these citizens — and only from them — through a process that ensures maximum possible representation.’