EDITOR’S NOTE (Nick Stamatakis). In this spectacular interview with BankingNews.gr (English subtitles), Maria Karystianou proves why she represents the only serious hope forr Greece to move away from a corrupt political system, that revolves around mafia-style families and even worse political parties…
New political movement without labels: Karystianou says her upcoming party does not fit into “far-left” or “far-right” categories. She describes it as a new ideology centered on people and dignity, aiming to build a “new Greece.” The party name has not yet been decided.
Symbolic message: She closes the interview by referencing Mikis Theodorakis’ song “Tης Δικαιοσύνης Ήλιε Νοητέ”, symbolically stating they are trying to “turn the sun back” to shine on the country again.
Criticism of Mitsotakis–Erdogan meeting: She strongly criticizes Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for meeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on February 11, especially amid Turkey’s issuance of an indefinite NAVTEX. She argues the meeting should not have taken place under those conditions.
Opposition to deletion of “eternal students”: She calls the government’s decision to expel long-term university students “tragic” and “fascist.” She promises that if her political effort succeeds, she will reinstate the 280,000 students who were deleted on December 31, 2025.
Article 86 (ministerial immunity): She describes the government’s proposal to revise Article 86 of the Constitution as “fake” and “pretextual,” arguing it enabled political corruption. She notes that 1.3 million citizens signed a petition demanding its full abolition, but claims no MP brought the issue to discussion in Parliament.
Support for referendums: She supports holding referendums on key issues, dismissing concerns about cost. She argues funds could be found by cutting corruption, overpriced contracts, and direct assignments.
Position on the euro: Referring to former rector Maria Negreponti-Delivani (who once supported returning to the drachma), Karystianou clarifies that exiting the euro is not being discussed and calls such an idea unrealistic and “criminal” today.
Rejection of divisive labels: Asked about alleged support from so-called “conspiracy-minded” groups, she rejects such labels, saying it is wrong to divide people and emphasizing that all citizens simply want to live with dignity.
