Maria Karystianou addresses departures from Elpida gia ti Dimokratia

Maria Karystianou, leader of the political movement ‘Elpida gia ti Dimokratia’ (Hope for Democracy), has addressed the recent wave of high-profile departures from the organization. During a presentation of the movement's program, Karystianou characterized the internal unrest as a necessary process of purification rather than a sign of weakness.

Karystianou criticized those who left, describing them as “weights” and alleging that some individuals joined the movement with ulterior motives, personal ambitions, or intentions to dismantle the organization from within. She emphasized that the movement is a grassroots citizen initiative operating without significant political experience or major corporate sponsors.

She further stated that the movement will not accommodate individuals seeking leadership roles based on personal connections, asserting that all members must function as equal “front-line soldiers” for a common goal. Karystianou also suggested that some departures were driven by those attempting to control the party's direction for their own benefit.