Stefanos Kasselakis to Stand Trial Over Alleged Legal Violations
Stefanos Kasselakis, the former leader of Syriza and current president of the Movement for Democracy party, is scheduled to appear before the Single-Member Misdemeanor Court of Athens on May 8.
He faces charges related to incorrect asset declarations, and involvement in foreign companies—an investigation initiated following allegations made by both the media and his former political party, Syriza.
The case centers around Mr. Kasselakis’s involvement with U.S.-based companies, one of which allegedly provided funding to Syriza.
Prosecutors claim that Kasselakis violated Greek laws that prohibit political leaders and public officials from owning or managing foreign businesses.
Mr. Kasselakis has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was unaware of the legal restrictions regarding such business dealings.
The charges are based on provisions outlined in Greek laws (Law 3213/2003 and Law 5026/2023), which prohibit politicians, ministers, and party leaders from participating in foreign companies, either directly or indirectly.
Despite Mr. Kasselakis offering explanations during the investigation, criminal proceedings were launched due to the alleged breach of these regulations.
The controversy has its roots in months of speculation about Mr. Kasselakis’s financial dealings and an ongoing feud with his former party, Syriza.
In November, the Athens daily Efimerida ton Syntakton published an article alleging that Mr. Kasselakis’ wealth declaration contained suspicious discrepancies.
In response, Mr. Kasselakis sent an extrajudicial letter to Syriza’s leadership, accusing them of leaking his financial information to the press. Following this, Syriza barred Mr. Kasselakis from running for office and effectively expelled him from the party.
Syriza had already announced its intention to appeal to the judiciary in November, seeking an investigation into Mr. Kasselakis’s possible involvement with offshore companies. Thymios Georgopoulos, Syriza’s former financial director, claimed that the full extent of Mr. Kasselakis’s financial and legal ties would soon be revealed, with further involvement from financial prosecutors anticipated.
In the wake of these allegations, Mr. Kasselakis responded, stating his intent to pursue legal action against those he described as “slanderers” who allegedly distorted his wealth declaration.
He further emphasized that he had never earned a single euro or dollar through illegal means.
The upcoming trial marks a significant chapter in the ongoing controversy surrounding Mr. Kasselakis’s financial dealings and his departure from Syriza. It remains to be seen whether the legal proceedings will shed light on the allegations or if the case will further fuel the political drama surrounding his public life.