Regional Councilor Vasilis Simos Resigns from the 'Girişim' Group in Greece

In the Teselya region of Greece, Regional Councilor Vasilis Simos, who serves as the Larissa regional unit representative, announced to the public that he has left the regional political group named "Girişim" (Protovoulia). Emphasizing that his decision was not the result of a sudden reaction or a singular disagreement, Simos stated that he took this step after a lengthy period of reflection. Making statements through an open letter he published, Simos expressed that the group's mode of operation has increasingly drifted away from the core principles that initially drove him to join the structure and the values he has defended throughout his entire public life. Emphasizing that he will continue his duty as an independent regional councilor, Simos stated that he feels responsible first and foremost to the people of Larissa and Teselya who placed their trust in him. Stating that he will continue his duties as an independent regional councilor, Simos expressed that he feels responsible primarily to the people of Larissa and Teselya who placed their trust in him. Simos, who believes that an honorable and transparent understanding of governance is a fundamental necessity, noted that he is obligated to act with complete honesty towards his people.

In his open letter, Simos argued that democratic processes in local governments should not be limited solely to election days. He emphasized that democracy is tested every day through the mechanisms where decisions are made, 实质 communication, the free expression of ideas, and the equal participation of elected representatives. He stated that council members elected by the people's votes should be seen not as ordinary appointed personnel, but as decision-makers with the capacity for independent thought. However, recent communication issues and developments within the group have caused serious damage to the mutual respect required for institutional collaborations. Simos, who stated that he decided to resign in order to protect political honor and the right to free expression in this negative environment, expressed that he believes this damage has reached an irreversible point.

Drawing attention to the narrowing possibilities for in-depth dialogue and consultation in the new political environment formed after the process, Simos clearly expressed his discomfort with this situation. He stated that important strategic decisions are communicated to him later without collective evaluation and that different opinions are now perceived as a problem rather than a constructive contribution. He emphasized that the collective structure of boards and councils is increasingly being replaced by individual and unilateral decision-making, which harms local governance. He argued that he believes institutions are always stronger and more important than individuals, but that an institution's operation deviating from the principle of collectivity is unacceptable. For this reason, being aware of his responsibilities towards his own conscience and the people who elected him, he decided that he could not continue in this role.

Reminding that he has served in public office for over thirty years as an educator, school principal, elected representative, and active trade unionist, Simos stated that he has always prioritized dialogue, respect, and trust throughout his career. For him, politics is not a state of dependence on another, but an act of assuming deep responsibility towards society. Simos, who refuses to belong to an administration merely to fill a seat, clearly stated that he does not wish to remain in an environment where he cannot serve his citizens with honor, express his opinions freely, and actively participate in decision-making processes. Acting in line with these principles, he announced to the public that he has left all his institutional roles and duties. However, he guaranteed that this departure does not mean running away from responsibility, but rather that his desire to serve his people will continue in a more independent manner.

Simos, who decided to continue his path as an independent regional councilor, added that his only guide from now on will be the interests of the Teselya region and its people. He pledged to support every positive initiative that will truly contribute to the region's development and the people's welfare, without discriminating between parties or groups. At the same time, he stated that when required by his institutional role, he will courageously and evidence-basedly criticize the mistakes or shortcomings of the local government. Emphasizing that the only valid political directive for him is the public's trust in him, Simos promised to continue his path without ever compromising his principles. He once again reaffirmed his determination to conduct independent politics by remaining committed to his principles in line with the interests of the public.