Hope for Democracy, led by Maria Karystianou, accused mass media of unfairly targeting the party following a series of recent high-profile member departures.
In a statement issued by the movement, the party said stormy winds prevailed on the national political scene, yet the majority of news outlets daily focused on a member from Missolonghi who departed two days earlier. The announcement stated that the media target was Maria Karystianou's movement rather than the corrupt power system of absolute entanglement, adding that the facts spoke for themselves.
The political organization highlighted broader turmoil across Greek politics, stating that 1,000 New Democracy cadres and politicians nationwide had moved to Antonis Samaras while SYRIZA was shedding members and internal knives glistened in PASOK. Despite these developments in major parties, the statement stressed that media coverage remained disproportionately focused on Maria Karystianou.
Departure of Maria Ioannidou
Earlier, Maria Ioannidou gave her own account of her departure from the movement and the subsequent commentary through a social media post titled many lies and few truths. Ioannidou stated that she never liked causing noise around her name or imposing her presence, choosing discretion throughout her life, entering the movement quietly, and leaving with that same discretion. She noted that she never sought publicity, pointing to her professional and public career as proof, and added that she could have easily leveraged her participation in party bodies and personal acquaintance with Maria Karystianou had personal promotion been her goal.
Ioannidou stated that she belonged to no behind-the-scenes group and represented only herself, while retaining her right to agree or disagree based on her value system. She explained that active citizenship required responding with consistency, honesty, and dignity to reality, leading her to step down when remaining in office compromised her principles. She added that she had never been interested in titles or positions, noting that her choice to leave the Political Council and other bodies rather than remain without basic prerequisites demonstrated her commitment to support over office.
Ioannidou stated that she had provided her explanations to the president and the Political Council before sharing them with fellow members whom she deeply valued. She noted that politics could not be separated from ethics and that her understanding of political responsibility differed substantially from that adopted by certain Political Council members. She stated that history, time, and events would judge whether she was an unsuitable choice made by Maria Karystianou or whether unsuitable individuals remained in leadership positions with the president's trust. She concluded by wishing her colleagues well, stating that the struggle for hope remained alive until the end. In a postscript, Ioannidou questioned whether Hope for Democracy would maintain its broad character embracing progressive voices or evolve into a restricted political formation isolating non-complying members.
Resignation of Giannis Chatzistogiannis
Following Ioannidou's announcement, two additional party members publicly disclosed their intention to leave the organization through social media posts. Giannis Chatzistogiannis, an organizational cadre for Central Macedonia, stated that he initially joined the effort to build Hope for Democracy out of a societal demand for justice, transparency, and democracy. He explained that members were united by the figure of Maria Karystianou, whom they viewed as a symbol of unity and a catalyst for a political movement representing the Tempi rail disaster movement to rouse society for meaningful change.
Chatzistogiannis stated that real political representation required clear rules, collectivity, transparency, democratic procedures, and a clear charter. He criticized party leadership for operating with leader stereotypes, closed compartments, and decisions made by closed centers rather than unifying and inspiring members. He stated that the recent expulsion of his colleague Thanasis Avgerinos and the subsequent wave of member resignations confirmed that the principles they fought for never operated in practice, adding that silence in the face of unfulfilled expectations constituted complicity. Resigning from his post, Chatzistogiannis thanked citizens and supporters in Central Macedonia and the Second Thessaloniki electoral district, stating that the struggle for justice would continue in society.
Exit of Asteris Gerogiannis
Director and trade unionist Asteris Gerogiannis also announced his departure from the party's Working Group of the Culture Sector. Gerogiannis described his work with the group as an important experience of creative contribution and meaningful dialogue regarding culture, a field he has long served as a director and member of the Greek Directors Guild.
Expressing sincere thanks to his fellow members for their mutual respect and hard work, Gerogiannis stated that their knowledge and ethos represented a valuable legacy. He noted that while personal paths often diverge, it does not diminish the appreciation built while sharing common goals. Gerogiannis concluded by stating that he would continue serving culture and his core values through future work, wishing remaining members strength and success in their ongoing efforts.
