Maria Karystianou, a pediatrician who became a prominent public figure after the 2023 Tempe rail disaster, is expected to announce the formation of a political party on May 21.
Karystianou, 53, lost her daughter in the crash that killed 57 people, an event that sparked nationwide outrage and continues to fuel political debate in Greece.
Late Thursday, she posted an AI-generated video showing her releasing a dove carrying an olive branch into the sky above Aristotelous Square in Thessaloniki. The post included the message: “On May 21, all together with hope for a new beginning!”
A poll conducted by Alco and released Monday found that 15% of respondents said they would seriously consider voting for her in an election, while 65% said they would not consider supporting her.
Public backing for Karystianou – who stepped down as president of the Tempe disaster victims’ association after revealing her political ambitions – appears to have declined following a series of controversial statements that critics say place her on the conservative right of the political spectrum.
