Greek far-right figure Kasidiaris prepares political comeback after prison release
Kasidiaris has been imprisoned for seven years after being convicted of leading a criminal organisation. Despite his imprisonment, however, his political activity has continued, with supporters, rallies and activity on Telegram and YouTube keeping his political network active.
The prospect of his release has sparked renewed debate in Athens over whether Greece’s far-right could regain political momentum and how Kasidiaris could seek to overcome the legal barriers preventing him from directly participating in elections.
Kasidiaris promises a surprise return
Kasidiaris has reportedly said that the way he will return to politics will surprise the political establishment and that he will announce his plans immediately after his release.
His release is expected in mid-September.
He is currently seeking a legal route that would allow him to participate in Greece’s next national elections, scheduled for early 2027, after previous attempts failed.
Greek legislation introduced under the ruling New Democracy government prevents parties whose members have been convicted of serious offences, including leading a criminal organisation, from participating in elections.
The legislation also allows authorities to examine the “genuine” leadership of political parties, meaning that parties perceived as acting as a vehicle or front for a convicted individual could also face exclusion from the electoral process.
Political activity continued behind bars
According to Euractiv, Kasidiaris’s political campaigning did not completely stop during his imprisonment.
During periods when he was outside prison under probation arrangements, he reportedly met supporters and organised rallies. He also maintained an online presence through Telegram and YouTube.
His profile rose again internationally during the summer after Elon Musk reposted an X post portraying Kasidiaris as having been treated unfairly by the Greek justice system over his request for early release.
Far-right vote remains a factor
Kasidiaris’s potential return comes as Greece’s political landscape is undergoing significant realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
His comeback could particularly affect right-wing and far-right parties, especially those taking hardline positions on foreign policy amid rising tensions between Greece and Türkiye, according to Euractiv.
Greek politicians have generally avoided publicly discussing Kasidiaris, while acknowledging that a sizeable electorate continues to hold far-right views.
Some politicians remain sceptical about his ability to overcome the legal obstacles. A Syriza lawmaker told Euractiv anonymously that existing court rulings would make it difficult to circumvent the Supreme Court.
Golden Dawn convicted as criminal organisation
Golden Dawn entered the Greek Parliament for the first time in 2012, during the height of the country’s economic crisis.
The 2013 murder of anti-fascist musician Pavlos Fyssas by Giorgos Roupakias, a Golden Dawn member, triggered a major judicial investigation into the organisation.
In October 2020, Golden Dawn was convicted as a criminal organisation. Seven senior figures, including party leader Nikos Michaloliakos and Kasidiaris, were found guilty of leading the organisation.
Kasidiaris’s expected release and planned political announcement therefore come at a critical moment for Greece’s political right, with the key question being whether he can translate his existing support network into an electoral vehicle capable of overcoming Greece’s legal restrictions.
