The debate over Stefanos Kasselakis’ alleged ‘right turn’ gained new political weight with Theodora Tzakri’s resignation from the Democrats. Behind the dispute—framed by some as a resignation and by others as a dismissal—lies a deeper ideological rift over the party’s identity. Tzakri departed with pointed criticism of Kasselakis, citing ‘red lines’ she could not cross. Central to her critique was the view that the Democrats’ leader is shifting rightward—a perception reinforced by his recent online discussion with Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, during which the two appeared to agree on several policy points.
A Liberal Center, Not a Rightward Shift
Kasselakis, for his part, embraced the confrontation. He framed Tzakri’s departure as a sign that the party is entering a new phase: one of liberal centrism. Where his former deputy sees a move to the right, he sees political maturation.
ND Keeps Its Distance
The governing New Democracy (ND) party has not endorsed speculation about rapprochement with Kasselakis—though it acknowledges the value of political dialogue. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, responding to questions during Monday’s (29.06.2026) press briefing, made clear there is no such discussion underway. ‘I have no such impression,’ he said, adding, ‘nothing like that emerges.’ Still, he refrained from dismissing the Georgiadis–Kasselakis exchange outright. ‘It’s good to hold discussions,’ he noted, reminding reporters that Kasselakis led the official opposition in the most recent European elections.
Marinakis also drew a contrast between constructive dialogue and political toxicity, urging against the ‘criminalization of political discourse’ and affirming that ‘it’s good to talk—even when we disagree.’ In effect, ND appears to distance itself from formal cooperation, while remaining open to leveraging the image of a Kasselakis moving toward more liberal positions.
Georgiadis: ‘Just Civilized People Talking’
Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis struck a sharper tone. Speaking on radio station Parapolitika 90.1 on Monday (29.06.2026), he swiftly disassociated his conversation with Kasselakis from any notion of future collaboration. ‘Neither we plan to cooperate with Mr. Kasselakis, nor does he plan to cooperate with us,’ he stated, calling such scenarios ‘baseless.’
On Tzakri, Georgiadis used notably harsh language. He claimed she had been ‘looking for an excuse’ to leave—and suggested her move was politically calculated: ‘She’s already aligned with PASOK,’ he said, implying she seeks re-election through that party. ‘Ms. Tzakri always wants to be an MP,’ he added, leaving little doubt about his interpretation of her motives.