Moments of family warmth, relaxation, and physical activity were enjoyed by many of the country’s leading political figures during the New Year period, as they spent quality time with their loved ones and engaged in their favorite activities, taking advantage of the brief pause in parliamentary work.

The festive mood, combined with winter conditions, encouraged politicians who enjoy sports, while others chose activities ranging from the theater stage to cinemas, social gatherings, and even… protest roadblocks.

“Happy New Year. With health, calm, and substance,” wished New Democracy’s spokesperson Alexandra Sdoukou, accompanying her message with a photo in which she appears with her son, dressed in sportswear and far removed from the usual political dress code.

Alexandra Sdoukou

As for the Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, he welcomed 2026 with a humorous tone, commenting: “But I would have cut off your internet if I hadn’t won the lucky coin, right??? Can’t we even make a joke in this house??? Happy New Year to everyone!”

Dimitris Papastergiou

Meanwhile, New Democracy MP Giannis Oikonomou spent time at the cinema, noting: “Together with Dimitris, on the first day of the new year, to watch Giannis Smaragdis’ ‘Kapodistrias.’ A film that gives the older ones reason to reflect again and the younger ones the chance to learn all those things that brought us to where we are today.”

Giannis Oikonomou at the cinema

By contrast, SYRIZA–PS MP Rena Dourou took center stage on the theater boards during the holidays. Although, as she mentioned in a post, “a persistent cold kept me away from my loved ones, friends, and obligations,” she nevertheless appeared on stage on Christmas Eve, performing for 75 minutes “not as ‘Rena,’ but as a figure within ‘The Hood.’ Not as a guest—but as a role born from the encounter,” as she described her theatrical experience afterward.

Indeed, “‘The Hood’ continues for three final performances in the new year: 7/14/21 January 2026, every Wednesday at 21:00, at the PLYFA Theatre,” Ms. Dourou added, also expressing her support for actors’ mobilizations.

Rena Dourou at the theater

On a more demanding “track,” that of the Kaimaktsalan ski resort “with plenty of snow and polar cold,” Democracy Movement MP Theodora Tzakri enjoyed the holiday period. Meanwhile, further down in the same regional unit, with the farmers of Lake Vegoritida, SYRIZA–PS MEP Nikolas Farantouris celebrated New Year’s Eve together with his wife and children.

Theodora Tzakri at Kaimaktsalan

Nikolas Farantouris with farmers

Family warmth—and matching pajamas—were also the choice of former Attica Regional Governor Giorgos Patoulis for his family during the holiday season.

Giorgos Patoulis with Nancy Koilou and their son