Intense internal turbulence and centrifugal tendencies — more reminiscent of Greece’s long-established parties than a newly founded political movement — are rattling Elpida gia ti Dimokratia (“Hope for Democracy”). The movement led by Maria Karystianou has suffered yet another blow: following the recent resignations of Vassilis Kokotssakis and retired Air Marshal Athanasios Papanikolaou, two more members have now announced their decision to withdraw their support.
This time, the wave of discontent is surfacing in Crete. According to information from Cretalive.gr, Achilleas Rombogianakis from Moires and Angeliki Lenakaki from Tympaki have announced their departure from the movement’s Regional Citizens’ Organisation of Crete, further deepening the atmosphere of inward-looking dysfunction.
New resignations from “Hope for Democracy”: Sharp criticism over lack of transparency and honesty at the top
In their joint statement, the two departing members make pointed criticisms of the way the party is being run at a central level. “Our participation in this effort began with the sole motivation of serving society and belief in shared principles,” they state, adding however that “the way things have unfolded and the way the movement operates at a central level are no longer consistent with our personal values.”
They also stress that engagement in public life requires “honesty, transparency, and respect,” while expressing solidarity with Vassilis Kokotssakis’s decision to resign.
These latest departures add to a growing chain of defections from Maria Karystianou’s party, which — even before it has achieved full organisational development or a coherent political programme — is already facing very public questions about how it functions and how it is being built.
