Maria Karystianou and Elpida gia ti Dimokratia activities

Maria Karystianou, president of the ‘Elpida gia ti Dimokratia’ party, has transitioned from public holiday reflections to formal political critique and program development.

In mid-August, Karystianou shared social media reflections during celebrations on the island of Paros, expressing hope for Greece and a desire to build a nation where citizens do not feel compelled to emigrate.

By early September, her focus shifted to criticizing the Greek government’s response to the aftermath of Storm Daniel. She accused Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of maintaining an ‘unorganized command state’ and noted insufficient flood protection measures in Thessaly and Northern Phthiotis.

On September 9, 2026, at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair, Karystianou presented the party’s comprehensive political program. The platform includes a proposed unified defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus, the establishment of a National Defense University, and a security strategy centered on active deterrence. Domestic proposals include the creation of a Constitutional Court, the separation of the judiciary from the executive branch, and the abolition of Article 86 of the Constitution regarding ministerial criminal liability. To increase transparency, she proposed decoupling the Hellenic Agricultural Organization (OPEKEPE) from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).

Following the presentation, Karystianou expressed skepticism regarding recent political polls, questioning their reliability due to small sample sizes and question phrasing. She asserted that the movement’s goal is not merely to enter Parliament, but to use a parliamentary presence to drive national change, describing the traditional left-right divide as ‘outdated’.

This period follows internal party challenges, including the resignation of Thanasis Avgerinos and the departure of approximately 22 members. Despite a decline in polling to 3.6%, Karystianou remains focused on addressing taxation, the housing crisis, the cost of living, and demographic issues, which she described as a ‘top national priority’.