Former Hope for Democracy member Thanasis Avgerinos has launched a sharp critique against party leader Maria Karystianou over the organisation and internal structure of her political movement. Speaking on Mount Athos weeks after resigning from the group, Avgerinos rejected accusations that he had participated in a coup within the party.
Avgerinos addressed the allegations during a discussion with Cypriot Member of the European Parliament Fidias Panayiotou. He argued that the claim contradicted his former position in the party, pointing out that a leader who truly believed someone was orchestrating a coup would not have selected that person to present the founding declaration of the movement.
Explaining his reasons for leaving Hope for Democracy, Avgerinos cited centralisation and restricted participation for ordinary members as the main factors behind his decision. He expressed frustration over the manner in which decisions were made inside the organisation.
Avgerinos specifically targeted a phrase he said Karystianou had used, in which she described the movement as being run by two women and many soldiers. He argued that a new political initiative could not adopt the very operational models it had previously condemned.
He also warned against using the movement primarily for personal political ambition. Avgerinos stated that creating a new party should not focus merely on securing parliamentary seats or cabinet posts.
Internal Structure and Democratic Principles
Avgerinos stressed that establishing a political party identical to established parties, operating under a lack of democracy and false promises to gain office, was fundamentally at odds with their political mission.
During the exchange, Panayiotou raised the possibility that the movement leadership might have viewed Avgerinos as a potential rival. Avgerinos dismissed the suggestion, remarking that it was laughable to imagine anyone attempting to take over a party named after Maria Karystianou.
Political Background and European Links
Hope for Democracy is a political movement in Greece formed to challenge traditional parliamentary politics and promote institutional transparency. The party was established by Maria Karystianou, who has served as its central public figure.
Avgerinos had previously held a prominent role within the organisation, including leading the public presentation of its founding declaration before resigning following internal disagreements over leadership decisions.
The discussion took place on Mount Athos, an autonomous monastic peninsula in northern Greece governed by Eastern Orthodox monastic institutions. The location is frequently visited by political figures and public officials across the country.
Panayiotou, an independent Cypriot member of the European Parliament, was elected to the European legislature in 2024. The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the 27 member European Union.
