Expelled ex-SYRIZA President Stefanos Kasselakis has officially unveiled the name of his new political party, “Movement for Democracy,” during an event hosted at the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation in Athens on Saturday afternoon.
The event also featured the presentation of the party’s founding declaration, outlining its principles and objectives.
Arriving at the venue, Kasselakis greeted his supporters warmly, saying, “You became the movement, and today we become a party.” He emphasized the binding nature of the founding declaration, contrasting it with what he described as a gap between rhetoric and action in existing political parties, specifically naming New Democracy.
“The new is born; it doesn’t fall from the sky,” Kasselakis remarked, underscoring the grassroots nature of his initiative. He referenced figures and moments emblematic of Greece’s democratic and progressive history, including Manolis Glezos, the Polytechnic uprising, the 1981 national reconciliation, and the left-wing aspirations of 2015.
Kasselakis described his party as a “boldly democratic” organization where every voice matters. “What the base decides through voting will not be overturned by the leadership,” he stated, adding that the party aims to embody the values of the modern center-left.
Some of the new party’s key principles:
-Participatory Democracy: Kasselakis stressed the importance of direct involvement, proposing local referendums as a means to address various issues.
-Meritocracy Over Dynasties: He called for political mobility that challenges entrenched family-based politics.
-Empowered Membership: Party members and supporters will have the power to choose their president and candidates, fostering trust and transparency.
He framed the new party as a response to the delayed emergence of a 21st-century center-left in Greece, which he said has lagged by 24 years. Kasselakis also advocated for the renewal of center-left values, integrating contemporary ideals such as inclusivity and accessible culture.
“We are the center-left of the 21st century,” he declared, emphasizing the need for new values to complement traditional ones.
Source: tovima.com
Latest News
Economic Sentiment Indicator in Greece Drops Slightly in Dec.
The data revealed that the primary drivers of the slight drop were the industrial and retail trade sectors. Conversely, construction and consumer confidence improved.
Greece’s Trade Deficit Surges by 18.7% in Nov. 2024
For the first 11 months of 2024, the total value of imports reached 77.3793 billion euros, a 1.9% rise compared to 75.9482 billion euros in the same period of 2023.
Installing EV Chargers in Your Building is Harder than You Think
So, you just bought an EV in Greece and can’t wait to set up a charger in your apartment building’s parking space? Not so fast—there are a few hurdles you’ll need to clear first.
Greece Announces Grants to Unemployed for New SMEs
Unemployed individuals seeking 12-month grants to fund the creation of new SMEs can apply online until January 21.
Port of Piraeus Reports Record-breaking Year for Cruise Sector
First cruise ship of the season, Viking Saturn, greeted at Greece's largest, busiest port
Greek Energy Minister Skylakakis Announces Subsidies to Mitigate Electricity Prices
“When prices exceed a certain threshold, we intervene,” said Skylakakis
Mitsotakis: Greece is a Beacon of Stability in an Unstable World
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described Greece as a "beacon of stability in an unstable world" following the Epiphany water blessing ceremony at Dexameni Square in Athens.
The Life of Former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis
Former Minister Kostas Simitis played a defining role in shaping Greece’s economic and political landscape at the turn of the millennium
Four Days of National Mourning for Passing of Kostas Simitis
Four days of national mourning have been declared for the death of former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis
Former Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis Dies at 88
Kostas Simitis, Greece’s former Prime Minister, died this morning, January 5, at the age of 88.