Maria Karystianou vows to revamp Greece’s ELpida movement amid internal scandal

Maria Karystianou, president of the Greek political initiative ELpida for Democracy, responded to recent resignations of senior members—including analyst Basilis Kokotsakis and former deputy Athanasios Papanikolaou—by alleging internal misconduct. She claimed that a small group acted dishonestly, describing “αρχηγιλίκια, αγορές υποψηφιοτήτων και υπόγειο σχηματισμό ψηφοδελτίων” (secret deals, purchase of candidacies and underground ballot‑forming) and even extortion of citizens and herself.

Karystianou said these actions were carried out by “λίγους και δόλιους” (a few dishonest people) and announced that ELpida would “αλλάζει μορφή” – change its form, clean up, and continue its mission for a free, upright Greece without being defeated. The movement’s stated vision remains a corruption‑free Greece, and Karystianou called for unity, transparency and renewed commitment from members.

The statements were published on social media and reiterated across multiple news outlets, marking a decisive turn for the nascent political force as it seeks to reorganise after the internal allegations.