Tempi accident activist Maria Karystianou on Thursday evening announced the launch of a new political party named “Hope for Democracy” (Elpida gia tin Dimokratia) during an event at a well-known theater in central Thessaloniki.

The entire event took place at the Aristotelous Square, where supporters had gathered throughout the day to sign the party’s founding declaration. Organizers set up multiple registration tables outside the venue and installed a large outdoor screen to accommodate crowds estimated at maximum of 3,000 people, exceeding the theater’s 600-seat capacity.

In a video message posted ahead of the event, Karystianou called on citizens to participate in what she described as a “new beginning,” saying public support for the movement was steadily growing despite attempts to undermine it.

Karystianou emerged as one of the most prominent public figures linked to the aftermath of the 2023 Tempi rail disaster, which killed 57 people and triggered widespread protests, political pressure and renewed scrutiny of rail safety and state accountability in Greece. Over the past year, demonstrations organized by victims’ relatives and civic groups have continued in the country.