Stylianidis Book Presentation: AI, Applause, Handshakes—and Samaras’ Notable Absence

Applause welcomed both Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and former PM Kostas Karamanlis at the book presentation of Evripidis Stylianidis, held at the Athens Conservatoire. Their handshake was a symbolic moment during the launch of the collective volume focused on “Artificial Intelligence: Human Rights, Democracy & the Rule of Law”—a publication Mitsotakis praised as an important initiative.

The event drew a broad political presence, including the Speaker of Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis, former President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, and several ministers and MPs such as Nikos Dendias, Adonis Georgiadis, Vassilis Kikilias, Pavlos Marinakis, Niki Kerameus, Thanos Plevris, and Maximos Harakopoulos, secretary of the ND parliamentary group.

Samaras’ Absence – A Political Signal?

Notably absent was former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. While his associates described the absence as a “personal choice,” it coincided with the confirmation earlier that day of a planned short intervention by Mitsotakis at the event—a detail some interpret as politically significant.

Adding to the intrigue, Dimitris Giannos, Samaras’ lawyer in the Novartis case and a board member of the “Antonis Samaras Foundation”, posted cryptically on Facebook during the event:

“Some things are beyond and above politics.”

Mitsotakis’ Remarks on AI

During his speech, Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized the urgency of addressing Artificial Intelligence within Greece’s upcoming constitutional reform process, underlining that AI is not a future challenge but an ongoing transformation.

“If this turnout is any indication, Evripidis, you might want to launch more such initiatives!”

“This collective volume is a serious effort addressing vital questions about a technological revolution that is already reshaping our lives—not tomorrow, but today.”

He further stressed the dual nature of AI:

• A powerful tool to boost productivity
• A profound challenge for employment, education, and social cohesion

As he left the venue, Mitsotakis told reporters:

“As you can see, New Democracy is at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence—as a whole.”
A clear nod to the attendees—and possibly a pointed remark toward Samaras’ absence.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Athens Conservatory – Handshake with Kostas Karamanlis

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrived moments ago at the book presentation event of Evripidis Stylianidis at the Athens Conservatory.

Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister greeted many of the attendees with a handshake, including former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis.

Watch the video:

The official presentation of Evripidis Stylianidis’ new book took place at the Athens Conservatory on October 8, 2025, drawing a notable political crowd — but also highlighting a key absence.

Applause for Karamanlis, Strong Political Presence

Present at the event were Parliament President Nikitas Kaklamanis, several ministers, and MPs, including:

• Thanos Plevris
• Niki Kerameus

• Christos Boukoros
• Minister of Shipping Vasilis Kikilias

The arrival of former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis was met with applause, underlining his continued influence within the political space. Karamanlis’ appearance was one of the highlights of the evening, with many guests acknowledging his symbolic political weight.

Also seen at the venue was former Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, along with other prominent figures from the current and past governments.

Samaras Absent by “Personal Choice”

Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras was notably absent from the presentation. According to sources close to him, this was a “personal choice”, not attributed to “personal reasons” — a phrasing interpreted as deliberately distancing the decision from the recent passing of his daughter.

The carefully chosen wording suggests political calculation, especially given the confirmed brief intervention by current Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during the event — a detail that may have influenced Samaras’ decision.

Context Behind the Absence

The term “personal choice” has sparked quiet speculation, especially in conservative political circles, where Samaras’ absence is viewed as more than circumstantial. It may reflect ongoing tensions or strategic distancing within the internal dynamics of Greece’s center-right political space.

Meanwhile, Stylianidis — a veteran of the New Democracy party — received warm support from party colleagues and long-time allies.