Stefanos Kasselakis, leader of the Democratic Movement, recently spoke in an interview with Crete TV, highlighting what he described as a significant issue in Greek politics: many gay individuals in Parliament and the government conceal their sexual orientation due to concerns about public perception and image.
Kasselakis emphasized the need for renewal within the political system and stressed the importance of authenticity in public life. Reflecting on his personal connection to Crete, he expressed a desire to invest in the island, underlining the importance of maintaining strong ties to local communities while serving at a national level.
He addressed critical issues affecting Greece, such as the management of OPEKEPE (the Agricultural Payments Organization), gun ownership, and the overall political system. In his characteristic frank manner, he remarked that debates around OPEKEPE often revolve around “who is stealing less,” pointing to systemic inefficiencies and the urgent need for transparency.
Kasselakis declared firmly that “Greece is ready to have a prime minister who does not betray the country—even if they are gay.” He criticized current opinion polls as “entirely useless” and spoke about his tenure as president of SYRIZA, his financial disclosures, political alliances, and the broader necessity for political renewal grounded in clarity and sincerity.
On a personal level, Kasselakis spoke about the power of authenticity, the management of public attention, and handling negative commentary on social media. He encouraged young gay individuals to communicate openly with their parents, emphasizing that the true measure of a politician’s value lies not in public image but in the “beauty of the heart.”
His husband, Tyler McBeth, also spoke in the interview about their life in Athens as an openly gay couple. He highlighted that they have not faced significant homophobic incidents in the capital and stressed that society should focus on whether a political leader is competent and trustworthy, rather than on their sexual orientation.
Kasselakis’ statements mark a notable moment in Greek political discourse, bringing issues of sexual identity, transparency, and authenticity into the public conversation, while challenging stereotypes about political leadership and personal identity in Greece.