Thanasis Avgerinos resigns as Hope for Democracy spokesperson, alleges shadow press office operating since July 12
Thanasis Avgerinos, the press representative for Maria Karystianou's 'Elpida gia ti Dimokratia' party, announced his resignation on July 29, claiming a parallel press office had been operating without his knowledge since at least July 12.
Abrupt resignation
On 29 July 2026, Thanasis Avgerinos, the press representative of "Elpida gia ti Dimokratia" (Hope for Democracy), announced his resignation via social media. He had held the role since the party's founding in May 2026. The announcement followed his unexplained absence from a Sunday event about funds, which had already fueled internal speculation, as noted by the newspaper To Vima earlier that day.
I inform friends and fellow travelers, known and unknown, colleagues and comrades (enemies already know) that for many days I have had no responsibility for the communication activity of 'Elpida gia ti Dimokratia', nor do I any longer represent it in the media.
Shadow press office allegation
Avgerinos said he discovered afterwards that a parallel press office had been operating inside the party since at least 12 July 2026, without his knowledge. He emphasized that he did not know the composition of that office.
As I learned afterwards, at least since July 12 a parallel Press Office has been operating within the Movement, the composition of which I do not know.
He also denounced what he called "suspicious and planted 'advisors' of the corridors," describing them as a perennial problem for any collective formation and especially for a citizens' movement. The statement echoed the party's broader rhetoric about bringing citizens to power and making democracy function.
Internal tensions and poll decline
The resignation came one day after a meeting of the party's Political Council, which decided on internal changes and a dense summer tour program for leader Maria Karystianou. According to the outlet iefimerida.gr, the party "has been on a downward trajectory in opinion polls." Avgerinos did not clarify whether he was leaving the party altogether or only stepping back from his communications role.
- Thanasis Avgerinos appointed press representative of the 'Elpida gia ti Dimokratia' party.
- Parallel Press Office allegedly begins operating within the party, according to Avgerinos.
- Avgerinos absent from party event on funds, sparking internal speculation.
- Political Council meets, decides internal reshuffle and dense summer tour for Maria Karystianou.
- Avgerinos announces resignation publicly, accuses shadow advisors; Karystianou tours Larissa.
What's next
Karystianou was in Larissa when the resignation was announced, holding meetings with the city's mayor, the Chamber of Commerce, party members and friends, and the regional governor of Thessaly, Dimitris Kouretas. No official reaction from her had been reported by late afternoon. Avgerinos closed his statement by saying that each person assumes responsibility for their actions and omissions, and that for now he is choosing to go on a few days' vacation.
