A new political movement — one that may even contest upcoming elections — is expected to be formed by members who departed from Maria Karystianou‘s party, Hope for Democracy. Journalist Thanasis Avgerinos, actress Katerina Moutsatsou, and expert Vasilis Kokotsákis — among the first to walk out — are now operating as a coordinated group. Tellingly, these figures took leading roles in the protest demonstrations held against government policy at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).
“Hope for Democracy”: The ex-party members’ new movement with a whiff of… Mao
What makes this story particularly interesting is that the group has been joined by a veteran SYRIZA figure — former Maoist Rudy Rinaldi. Rinaldi was an active member of the post-junta student movement through the ranks of PPSP and served as a member of the central council of EFEE. He participated in virtually every mobilization, political campaign, and battle waged by the extra-parliamentary Left, as well as in the internal processes of Greece’s Marxist-Leninist movement. He was also a founding member of the Communist Organization of Greece (KOE), which was a constituent part of SYRIZA.
During the debt negotiations, Rinaldi aligned himself with SYRIZA’s hardline faction and never concealed his support for a return to the drachma — though he ultimately fell in line with the party’s position on remaining in the euro.
Just how far this disparate group can go before the next election is an open question. Beyond their extreme opposition to the government, they appear to have little else in common. So far, all signs suggest they are targeting disillusioned far-left voters who have retreated from political life — as well as those who have grown disappointed with Maria Karystianou’s own political venture.
A downward spiral
Meanwhile, Hope for Democracy appears to be shedding support rapidly. From a high of 14% in pre-summer polls, the party has now dropped to around 4% — losing a full 10 percentage points in just a matter of months.
The reasons are clear: a wave of mass resignations by members and senior figures, combined with the party’s apparent inability to articulate coherent positions on everyday issues. It was telling that at the TIF, the party’s leader delivered what amounted to a meandering stream of consciousness — a speech with no clear beginning, middle, or end.
Those who have left the party consistently point to one figure as the driving force behind its troubles: Maria Gratsia. According to former members, Gratsia allows no one to work independently, insists on controlling everything, and sees enemies everywhere. She currently serves as the party’s organizational director, press officer, and ideological mentor rolled into one. Many claim she has convinced the party leader that everyone is out to get her — and that only Gratsia herself can protect her.
Departing members add that, at the rate things are going, Hope for Democracy may not even make it to the ballot, as the party is dangerously close to falling below the 3% electoral threshold.
Originally published in Parapolitika
