New turmoil in “Hope for Democracy” led by Maria Karystianou, as following Vasilis Kokotsakis Air Force General Athanasios Papanikolaou also withdrew, criticizing the functioning of the party.
The picture of internal turmoil within the party of Maria Karystianou, “Hope for Democracy”, is intensifying, as a second significant resignation of a senior member was recorded within a few hours. Following Vasilis Kokotsakis, retired Air Force General Athanasios Papanikolaou has now also left the political party.
Papanikolaou’s Criticism: The party is turning into a “closed circle” of former “Niki” officials
Mr. Papanikolaou announced that he no longer wishes to have any involvement with ELPIDA, arguing that the party is turning into a “closed clique” led by former officials of NIKI. According to him, these individuals are imbuing the political organization with characteristics of ideological and intellectual isolationism, steering it away from its original orientation.
Kokotsakis – Criticism for Lack of Collectivity
Earlier, on his departure from “Hope for Democracy,” Vasilis Kokotsakis— a forensic expert on fire-related matters and a retired officer of the Fire Department.
In his letter, Mr. Kokotsakis criticizes the way the project is organized and operates, citing the absence of collective procedures, institutional structure, and meaningful democratic participation. At the same time, he argues that the political entity has strayed from its original vision of an authentic citizens’ movement that would express the demand for truth, justice and transparency, as highlighted by the protests following the Tembi tragedy.
He clarifies that his decision relates exclusively to his disagreement with the functioning of the political organization and not to the struggle for an investigation into the Tembi, which he states he will continue to support through his scientific work.
