Five resignations in a single day—accompanied by serious complaints about the party’s operations—were recorded in “Hope for Democracy” led by Maria Karystianou.
Maria Karystianou’s grandiose proclamations about democracy and transparency seem to have no place in her party’s endeavor, which has faced intense criticism from the very beginning regarding its organizational structure and operations.
A total of five officials chose to resign within 24 hours, expressing strong disagreements over the way decisions are made in “Hope for Democracy.” The members cite a lack of democratic procedures, limited member participation, and an absence of meaningful dialogue, accusing a closed inner circle of people who make decisions without transparency.
The first to speak out was the expert witness for the families of the victims of the Tempi tragedy, Vasilis Kokotsakis, who emphasized that he believed it was a genuine citizens’ movement, characterized by participation, collectivity, democracy, and transparency. However, after months of efforts, proposals, and interventions, he concluded that the project had taken a different course from the one he had envisioned.
Next to speak was retired Air Force General Athanasios Papanikolaou, who announced that he no longer wishes to have any involvement with “Hope for Democracy””, arguing that the party is turning into a “closed clique” led by former officials of NIKI.
Subsequently, Kostas Vamvakas, a member of the Central Organizational Committee, resigned, while according to Cretalive.gr, two officials from the Regional Organization of Crete, Achilleas Robogiannakis from Moires and Angeliki Lenakaki from Tympaki.
“We are announcing our decision to leave the Regional Citizens’ Organization of Crete for the ‘Hope for Democracy’ Movement. Our participation in this effort began with the sole motivation of serving society and our belief in shared principles. However, the way things have developed and the movement’s mode of operation at the central level are no longer consistent with our personal values and the ethos through which we view collective action. For us, engagement in public affairs always requires honesty, transparency, and respect. We stand behind Mr. Kokotsakis’s decision and thank him warmly for the trust he has placed in us and the excellent collaboration we have enjoyed throughout this time,” they state in their announcement.
