Retired Air Force General Athanasios Papanikolaou has withdrawn his support from Maria Karystianou’s new political initiative, Hope for Democracy, citing concerns over its internal structure and democratic processes. Speaking on SKAI TV on Thursday, 25 June 2026, he described the emerging party as a “closed circle” whose leadership includes former members of the far-right Nikē (Victory) party.
A symbolic gesture, not formal involvement
Papanikolaou clarified that his initial engagement was limited to recording a supportive video focused on national issues — not a formal commitment. “I simply sent a video expressing support on national matters, assuming and hoping those positions could be incorporated into what Ms. Karystianou was launching,” he said.
He emphasized he was never formally invited to participate in any structured process: “I was never called, never participated in any organization, never became a member. I waited for the party to be ready — with a program, offices, a central committee, political secretariat, and political council.”
No democratic or collective mechanisms
According to Papanikolaou, he observed no collective decision-making or democratic procedures within the initiative. “Along the way, I realized that what we call this movement lacks collective and democratic processes,” he stated. His critique points to an absence of institutional scaffolding — suggesting Hope for Democracy remains, in his view, a loose political initiative rather than a fully formed party.
No clarity on national issues
He recounted two private meetings with Karystianou before the party’s official launch, during which he sought clarity on the initiative’s stance on national issues. Each time, he said, he received only the vague response: “We’ll inform you.” With no follow-up or concrete policy position, he concluded there was “no response, no clear stance.” That ambiguity, he explained, left him unable to speak publicly: “I didn’t know what to say.”
Alignment with Samaras — but no political alliance
On foreign policy, Papanikolaou noted he is “very close” to the views of former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. He quickly added, however, that this does not imply any intention to join a potential new political venture led by Samaras.
Concerns about personnel choices
His criticism extends to the people shaping the initiative — specifically referencing former Nikē officials as key influencers. While he did not name individuals, his remarks underscore broader concerns about ideological direction and transparency in the party’s formation.