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Political return and school influence controversies of Ilias

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2026-10-04 19:36 UTC → 2026-10-12 14:05 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following his release from the Domokos Detention Center on September 15, 2026, Ilias Kasidiaris, a former leader of Golden Dawn convicted of directing a criminal organization, has signaled a political return. While legally barred from running for office until 2033, Kasidiaris is leveraging a significant social media presence to maintain influence. He has endorsed the ‘Alliance of Greeks’ (Συμμαχία Ελλήνων), a party seeking legal approval to participate in the 2027 national elections, though legal experts suggest the party may face exclusion due to laws prohibiting members convicted of serious crimes from forming electoral combinations. Controversy has also surrounded a donation made by Kasidiaris to the 1st Primary School of Megara. While the local teachers' union, SEPE West Attica ‘Kostas Varnalis’, condemned the contribution as a ‘cheap poison’ and a ‘bloody donation’, the Parents' Association has attempted to distance itself from political influence, stating it does not become ‘politicized or ideologically influenced’ by any donor. More recently, Kasidiaris has faced criticism regarding claims of repentance and his denial of neo-Nazi affiliations. In an opinion piece, Stathis Stavropoulos argued that Kasidiaris is attempting to distance himself from previous ideologies to gain political ~~support. Stavropoulos~~ support, specifically ~~disputed~~ disputing Kasidiaris’s assertion that the swastika on his shoulder is an ancient Greek ~~symbol, characterizing it instead as a symbol heavily associated with Nazi criminal symbolism.~~ symbol. On October 3, 2026, Kasidiaris’s public visibility increased when singer Stamatis Gonidis welcomed him at a ~~nightclub. During a performance, Gonidis referred~~ nightclub, referring to ~~Kasidiaris~~ him as a ~~‘friend’ and thanked him for celebrating his release at the venue. The encounter~~ ‘friend’. This drew ~~attention due to Gonidis’s own past political affiliations. Songwriter~~ sharp criticism from songwriter Nikos ~~Moraitis criticized the interaction on social media, stating that~~ Moraitis, who stated Gonidis had ‘died in the conscience of every ~~non-fascist’~~ non-fascist’. In a subsequent interview on ‘Political Stories’, Gonidis defended his actions, stating, “I am not a fascist, I am an artist,” and ~~asserting~~ asserted that ~~fascism represents an ‘absolute red line’.~~ he does not regret his stance.

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