Athens, February 9, 2026 – 06:30
Former SYRIZA leader Stefanos Kasselakis has relaunched his political movement under the new name “Democrats,” sparking debates over the origins of the name and slogans, as well as accusations of fostering an aggressive online supporter base.
The rebranding was announced at the party’s congress, where Kasselakis sought approval from delegates. However, records show the “Democrats” name was registered and its domain secured four days prior to the event. Kasselakis later confirmed to the congress that he had obtained permission to use the name from Andreas Loverdos, a former politician who previously held the rights to it.
Behind the Scenes: Slogans and Accusations
Adding to the controversy, the youth wing of New Democracy (ONNED) accused Kasselakis of appropriating their 2019 congress slogan, “Tomorrow now,” which bears a striking resemblance to his event’s tagline, “Tomorrow is now.” Critics argue this move was an attempt to refresh the party’s image amid recent polling struggles.
The congress also highlighted internal tensions. Melpo Lekatsa, a veteran SYRIZA figure and pharmacist known for her role during the Polytechnic uprising against the Junta, publicly condemned threats from online supporters aligned with Kasselakis. Addressing the assembly, she stated: “I wasn’t afraid of the Junta; I won’t be intimidated by their threats.”
In a related social media post, former SYRIZA MP Nikos Moraitis elaborated on the issue: “Behind the flashes, the smile, and the supposed empathy, a person set up the most bloodthirsty troll army. Why? To serve his need to look at himself in the mirror. Since there are no more voters, since he reached the humiliating 1.5%, the trolls write ‘you are a leader!’ at every gaffe, they glorify every mistake, and he admires himself. He feeds his trolls with hatred toward his opponents, and they return flattery and admiration.”
Moraitis referenced a specific incident where an alleged “arch-troll” threatened congress delegates, saying: “We know you one by one and we’re waiting for you.” Lekatsa responded defiantly: “Who are you that know us and are waiting for us? I wasn’t afraid of the Junta, should I be afraid of you?”
According to Moraitis, Kasselakis applauded Lekatsa’s remarks but was accused of hypocrisy, as some claim the online network operates with his tacit approval. The audience reaction was mixed, with boos directed at Lekatsa from some attendees, while others defended her. Moraitis described the party as “without principles, without backbone, without identity and (now) without a name,” suggesting Kasselakis’s leadership has become entangled in narcissism following his rapid rise and fall in popularity.
Broader Context
Kasselakis’s Movement for Democracy, originally founded in November 2024 after his ousting from SYRIZA, has faced ongoing challenges, including MP defections and low poll numbers. The rebranding to “Democrats” aims to position it as a centrist, progressive force, but the rollout has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, including threats of legal action from communications expert Nikos Karahalios, who claims prior rights to the name.
As Greece’s political landscape evolves, with upcoming elections on the horizon, the “Democrats” party will need to address these controversies to rebuild momentum. Kasselakis has not yet responded directly to the troll army allegations, but party sources emphasize a focus on democratic renewal and citizen engagement.
Updates on the congress outcomes and responses from involved parties will be monitored closely.