Course of Freedom leader Zoe Konstantopoulou has publicly backed MP Elena Akrita for Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament while accusing ruling New Democracy of blocking her election.
In a social media statement, Konstantopoulou said the government stance toward Akrita reflected anti-democratic, reactionary, and sexist behavior, confirming that Course of Freedom would vote for her candidacy to the parliamentary presidium.
The Hellenic Parliament in Athens relies on multi-party representation within its presidium, which comprises the Speaker and ten Vice-Presidents representing different parliamentary groups. Konstantopoulou expressed hope that efforts to cancel Akrita's nomination would fail, pointing out that New Democracy's opposition risks leaving the bureau without any female representation at a time when Greece is grieving another femicide.
Opposition Leader Criticises Ruling Party Record
Konstantopoulou argued that opposition to Akrita came from a government reliant on lawmakers with controversial records. She cited past public remarks by figures including Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, whom she accused of making derogatory comments about female lawmakers having estrus, as well as remarks by MP Dimitris Kyriazidis telling women to have children and MP Konstantinos Kyranakis telling female colleagues that parliament was not a kitchen.
She also pointed to past behavior by other New Democracy figures, noting bullying allegations against Lefteris Avgenakis, patronising remarks by Dimitris Kairidis alongside his positions on Cyprus, and controversies over academic credentials involving Makis Lazaridis. Her statement further highlighted minister Makis Voridis, former minister Thanos Plevris, and health minister Adonis Georgiadis, accusing them of defending dictatorial, totalitarian, and anti-Semitic ideals, while specifically criticising Georgiadis for past comments regarding the 1973 Athens Polytechnic student uprising.
Addressing ongoing national political disputes, Konstantopoulou referenced former transport minister Kostas Karamanlis and official Christos Triantopoulos over their handling and post-incident cleanup of the fatal February 2023 Tempi train collision. She also condemned MP Christos Markopoulos for his leadership of the parliamentary investigative committee into the railway disaster, describing the panel's work in critical terms.
Praise for Nominee's Track Record and Legacy
Contrasting Akrita with ruling party figures, Konstantopoulou described the nominee as a champion of equality, inclusion, and the defense of vulnerable citizens. She stated that Akrita actively opposes gender-based violence, supports abuse victims when attacked, rejects state-sponsored psychiatrization, and maintains a consistent presence in legislative proceedings.
Konstantopoulou added that Akrita continues the legacy of her mother, democratic activist Silva Akrita, and her father, the iconic journalist and politician Loukis Akritas. Akrita represents the main opposition SYRIZA party in parliament, while Course of Freedom was founded in 2016 by Konstantopoulou, a lawyer and former parliamentary speaker, following her departure from SYRIZA.
Konstantopoulou concluded her statement by indicating she would address the parliamentary presidium election further during legislative sessions the following day, affirming that Course of Freedom considers Akrita far better qualified to serve than alternative candidates.
