High activity and intense backstage maneuvering characterize the parliamentary benches in the first days of 2026, as new political formations on the horizon, along with the first polls of the new year, have made independent MPs a coveted prize.

Reaching the number 25, they constitute one of the larger parliamentary groups of the current legislature, drawing the interest of most party teams attempting to “flirt” and recruit new players from this virgin pool, which is, however, ideologically diverse and marked by different personal ambitions.

The fact that the independent MPs today are exactly the same number as those of SYRIZA-PS, and only 8 fewer than PASOK’s parliamentary strength, fully explains the attempts to attract many of them into existing – and mainly emerging – parties, as in absolute numbers they could even form two autonomous parliamentary groups.

Furthermore, since 2026 is primarily a pre-election year ahead of the 2027 ballots, many independent MPs are seeking party affiliation to secure their reelection. The election readiness has, on the other hand, intensified discussions between independents and party teams, as well as the… transfer flirtations, aiming to strengthen both sides for such a scenario.

The “fans” of Karystianou

Several independent MPs appear to be flirting with joining the “Karystianou party,” mostly those coming from Niki, as well as figures without an extensive parliamentary track record who could, for that reason, surpass the threshold of the old political personnel set by Maria Karystianou.

The well-known cardiac surgeon and independent MP of Thessaloniki B’, Nikos Papadopoulos, initially elected with Niki but expelled following the vandalism incident at the National Gallery, has shown openness to collaborate with her. Papadopoulos reportedly spoke with Karystianou’s team to arrange a meeting after the holiday recess.

Equally open to the “Karystianou party” is independent MP of the South Sector of Athens, Nikos Vrettos, initially elected with Dimitris Natsios’ party and professionally active in Agios Dimitrios, Attica. Some overtures toward Karystianou have also reportedly been made by State MP Pavlos Sarakis, although in the past he has not refrained from political commentary supporting Alexis Tsipras, without any objection from Amalia.

It is certain, however, that Sarakis could not join a potential Samaras party (even if this does not seem a strong possibility) due to his involvement in the Novartis case.

…and those leaning toward Tsipras

Meanwhile, Admiral and former minister Evangelos Apostolakis appears to be weighing his chances of reelection between a “Tsipras party” and a “Karystianou party,” keeping distance from Stefanos Kasselakis. With the cryptic statement “they are interesting,” Apostolakis commented on the two emerging new political parties. “You know very well that the dimension this whole matter took bears Ms. Karystianou’s signature. If it weren’t for her, the Tempi case might have had a different outcome,” concluded the admiral, whose name has often stirred controversy in Tsipras’ environment.

Conversely, closer to former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras are former SYRIZA-PS MP and current independent Athena Linou, and Fthiotida MP Giannis Sarakiotis, initially elected under the SYRIZA banner and later reportedly aligned with former SYRIZA-PS president Stefanos Kasselakis.

Kasselakis failed to create a parliamentary group in the current Parliament, as his Movement for Democracy MPs number only four: Theodora Tzakri, Giota Poulou, Rallia Christidou, and Alexandros Avlonitis. Recently, Halkidiki MP Kyriaki Malama left the “Kasselakis group,” keeping her intentions secret, though reports suggest she wishes to transfer to the A’ Thessaloniki electoral district.

In the case of the Movement for Democracy, cooperation between forces aiming for political change against ND remains a key goal for the party leadership, with its vice president Theodora Tzakri stating: “We must find a way to free the country from this corrupt regime. Hopefully, many of us will be on this path, including Ms. Karystianou.”

Any collaboration between the Movement for Democracy and the “Karystianou party” cannot be excluded, but neither confirmed, until February 7–8, when the framework for cooperation in Stefanos Kasselakis’ party will be decided at its congress. All possibilities remain on the table, with final decisions made by a vote of the 12,000 party members.

Parliamentary practice has shown recently that the “Kasselakis group” may not retain all four MPs after the party congress. MP Alexandros Avlonitis’ participation in the Parliamentary Committee on OPEKEPE has revealed strong alignment with Zoe Konstantopoulou’s Freedom Movement, fueling speculation about a possible transfer of this independent MP.

The former Spartans

A special case is independent MP Athanasios Chalkias of Athens A’, who, although elected with the Spartans, is openly flirting with transferring to Kyriakos Velopoulos’ Greek Solution, as suggested indirectly by him and… spatially, since he now sits with this party’s MPs.

Politically, independent MPs Charalampos Katsivardas and Konstantinos Floros, both formerly Spartans, operate as a duo. It is no secret that the dissolution of this parliamentary group increased fluidity within the Parliament.

In this scenario, these independent MPs interact with the majority in daily parliamentary work, not only voting with ND on roll-call votes but also approving the Budget at the end of last December, bringing them closer to Piraeus.

Conversely, a trio of independent MPs forms the core of a political movement heading for autonomous participation in the next national elections. They were elected as Spartans: Giorgos Manousos, Ioannis Dimitrokallis, and Dionysis Valtogiannis, reportedly under the political influence of Ilias Kasidiaris. The Supreme Court may block the initiative, in which case these independents could reportedly declare support for the “Karystianou party.”

On the other hand, former minister and independent MP Marios Salmas has distanced himself from Karystianou’s initiative, often cited by independents. He emphasizes the need for government policy change and reportedly keeps open channels with Aphrodite Latinopoulou’s Voice of Reason.

Parliamentary observers also position independent MP Ioannis Kontis between Voice of Reason, a potential “Samaras party,” and ND. Known for his sobriety, activity, and conciliatory tone, he is considered an “interesting case” for many party teams.

Movements of the independent MPs duo Giorgos Aspiotis and Michail Gavgiotakis remain uncharted, as they have formed their own political initiative, not currently aligned with any party or new formation.

Elected with the Freedom Movement but with sympathy toward the Movement for Democracy is independent MP Areti Papaioannou. Independent MP of Xanthi, Baran Bourhan, may return to PASOK if his public obligations are resolved.

Toxicity and scenarios

Transfers and moves between parliamentary groups will depend heavily on the political climate and poll results leading to the elections, especially if signs of fluidity spread across the political spectrum after the fragmentation of the Center-Left.

If this leads to a horizontal drop in party percentages due to… inflation of electoral formations, personalized parties could multiply, emerging even from ND’s political base and centrifugal tendencies in existing parties, recalling memories of the double elections of 2012.

And current MPs

Beyond independents, the battle for political impressions also unfolds among current MPs and party officials, especially when polls do not show a clear second-place winner. SYRIZA-PS’ fluidity toward Kasselakis was not the only example, as the transfers of MPs Rania Thraskia and Petros Pappas from Koumoundourou to Charilaou Trikoupi affected the party’s social appeal.

In this context, an informal revenge was achieved for several SYRIZA-PS officials by Tsipras through the presence of Antonis Saulidis at the presentation of Ithaki yesterday in Thessaloniki, as he is one of PASOK’s most known and influential figures in the city, with extensive experience in local government and sports.

Tsipras’ “intervention” toward PASOK does not stop with Saulidis; the same panel included Konstantina, niece of Robert Spyropoulos, following prior presentations in Athens and Patras with PASOK-affiliated officials.

Meanwhile, in Koumoundourou’s corridors, rumors abound regarding the possible return of B’ Piraeus SYRIZA-PS MP Nina Kasimati to PASOK. Her presence at the last Parliamentary Group session temporarily quelled the rumors, but she reignited them by attending the welcoming ceremony of the new frigate Kimonas, against her party’s official line.