The party led by Karystianou is in the spotlight ahead of its official debut today, with her team estimating that the first gathering of supporters in Thessaloniki will mark a new chapter in the political landscape.
Maria Karystianou chose for the party’s name a word that refers to “hope,” which she says citizens are seeking, aiming at improving their prospects and the immediate quality of their lives. However, the project is not considered an easy equation, nor are there many — outside her close associates — who can safely predict its wider electoral impact.
The declaration is expected to reveal to a significant extent the ideological and political identity of the new party. In recent days, Karystianou’s effort (also reflected in her latest statements) to address a “multicoloured” audience, beyond traditional “left–right” divisions, has become evident.
She is placing special emphasis on today’s event at the “Olympion” cinema in Aristotelous Square and has issued an open invitation for the 18:30 gathering, while also hinting at criticism toward those in the political system who, as she claims, are trying to undermine and discredit her initiative.
— Maria Karystianou (@mkaristianou) May 20, 2026
In a post yesterday, the former head of the “Tempi” association of victims’ relatives said:
“Thank you very much for the messages of support and love for our movement. Every day we are becoming more numerous and this frightens them. So they are scheming various things and will do even more, but they cannot stop or hinder our struggle for justice. We know that infiltrators and ill-intentioned people will be among us, aiming to tarnish the clean and unifying image of the movement.”
She also added:
“With great joy and honour I invite you tomorrow, Thursday, at 18:30 at the ‘Olympion’ cinema in Aristotelous Square, in beloved Thessaloniki, to become one embrace and send the strongest message of true hope for a new beginning.”
Expected surprises
Her team expects a large turnout, not only from Thessaloniki and Northern Greece, but more broadly. This optimism is based on the steady flow of signatures supporting the founding declaration, which Karystianou is expected to submit to the Supreme Court (Areios Pagos) tomorrow, barring any unforeseen developments.
According to her associates, she aims to appeal to broader audiences not only through the party’s name and symbols, but also through a different model of political organisation she plans to present. She has instructed her team to keep several “surprises” for today’s premiere regarding attendees at the “Olympion.” She herself will be the main speaker, while figures from the Greek diaspora will send video messages. Reports suggest that the person introducing the event will be a well-known public figure, possibly from the entertainment sector.
Her speech is expected to avoid rigid ideological labels, based on the view that such divisions “instead of uniting, divide Greek citizens.” The central symbol of the initiative remains the dove, which is expected to continue appearing alongside the party name, chosen to represent “hope” and “prospect.”
Location and political backdrop
The choice of Aristotelous Square and Thessaloniki is symbolic, as it is a city closely linked to Karystianou’s personal and professional past, before moving to Athens in her political trajectory.
Support in Northern Greece appears particularly strong, with organisers expecting high engagement at today’s event. Early indications suggest the party may draw support from voters previously aligned with parties such as Greek Solution, NIKI, and Voice of Reason, as well as undecided voters and protest voting segments.
The network is also expanding across Greece, including Athens’ working-class districts and major regional cities such as Thessaloniki, Thessaly, the Peloponnese, and Crete. The party is also expected to establish central offices in Athens soon.
Internal reactions and tensions
Some organisers and supporters reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the communication handling of recent signature-gathering events and the public image projected through related footage.
The “Russian undertones” mentioned in commentary, along with online clashes and the first lawsuit involving Nikos Karachalios, are seen by some supporters as evidence of the difficult political battles ahead.
The first gathering of supporters at the “Olympion” will also be broadcast via the online channel “Axion Esti.”
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