Karystianou expels press rep Avgerinos from Hope for Democracy, citing violation of non-cooperation principle
The leader of Greece's Hope for Democracy movement removed her press representative, Thanasis Avgerinos, on Sunday, accusing him of divisive statements and violating the movement's core principle of non-cooperation with established political parties.
Expulsion announcement
On Sunday, August 2, 2026, Maria Karystianou, president of the Hope for Democracy movement, expelled Thanasis Avgerinos, her press representative and until recently a close associate. The decision was communicated via a sharply worded press release that accused him of actions undermining the movement's unity and political identity.
The divisive statements and behaviors of Athanasios Avgerinos against the Hope for Democracy Movement, combined with a series of actions and public positions that violated the fundamental principle of the Movement regarding the exclusion of cooperation with political system parties, undermine the unity of the Movement, reveal an unseen plan of slander and control, and place him outside it.
Reasons cited
The statement accused Avgerinos of "divisive statements and behaviors" and of violating the movement's core principle of refusing cooperation with established political parties. It further alleged that his actions revealed an "unseen plan of slander and control" aimed at the movement. The expulsion was described as the necessary consequence of these breaches, with Karystianou asserting that his conduct had placed him outside the movement.
Internal crisis
The expulsion marks the culmination of an internal conflict that had been simmering within the newly formed political formation. According to NewsIT, the recent days had seen mutual accusations and public exchanges between the two sides, confirming that internal disputes had escalated into open confrontation. Avgerinos, a journalist by profession, had been a prominent figure in the movement's public face and his removal signals a definitive rupture.
Call for unity
In the same announcement, Karystianou addressed supporters directly, urging them to preserve cohesion and protect the movement's grassroots character.
I address all citizens with love and ask you to safeguard unity so that the Community of Citizens may flourish.
The appeal underscored the movement's emphasis on citizen engagement and its rejection of traditional party structures, framing the expulsion as a necessary step to maintain the integrity of the "Community of Citizens."
