New Democracy MEP Beleris sparks backlash over comments on Kasidiaris

Comments by New Democracy MEP Fredi Beleris about Ilias Kasidiaris have become the focus of a political dispute in Greece, with opposition party PASOK sharply criticising the MEP and calling for an immediate response from the government.

The remarks were made during an interview Beleris gave to ONE television on September 10, several days before Kasidiaris was released from prison.

Asked about Kasidiaris’ release, Beleris described him as “one of the few Greeks who served his prison sentence until the very last day”, while also commenting on his right to participate in political life. PASOK cited the remarks in a statement issued on Saturday.

Kasidiaris, a former Golden Dawn MP, was convicted of leading the Golden Dawn criminal organisation and sentenced to 13 years in prison. He was released from Domokos Prison on September 15, 2026, after completing his sentence, and subsequently declared that he intended to return to political activity.

PASOK condemns ‘dangerous views’

In its statement, PASOK strongly criticised Beleris’ comments, describing his views as “dangerous” and calling on the government spokesman to take a position.

The party accused the New Democracy MEP of praising Kasidiaris for serving his sentence and criticised his position that the former Golden Dawn MP should have the right to participate in political life.

PASOK called on the government spokesman to publicly disavow Beleris’ remarks, arguing that serving a prison sentence for serious criminal offences should not be presented as an achievement.

The dispute comes amid a broader political and legal debate following Kasidiaris’ release and his stated intention to return to politics. The legal framework governing any potential candidacy remains the subject of differing interpretations and would ultimately involve scrutiny under Greece’s electoral laws and, depending on the form of participation, decisions by the country’s Supreme Court.

PASOK has publicly argued that Kasidiaris cannot stand in an election as a party leader, a de facto leader operating behind the scenes or a party candidate under the existing legal framework.

In the same statement, PASOK also referred to media reports alleging that Michalis Bekiris, director of the prime minister’s parliamentary office, met municipal councillor and National Front member Giannis Kourgianidis, whom PASOK described as an interlocutor of Kasidiaris.

According to PASOK’s statement, Kourgianidis himself confirmed that the meeting took place.

The opposition party called on the government to provide an explanation for the reported meeting and clarify the purpose and circumstances of contacts between a senior official in the prime minister’s office and figures associated with the far right.