A Greek politician’s career spans from television telemarketing to the halls of parliament
In short: Kyriakos Velopoulos is a polarizing figure in Greek politics, moving from a background in journalism and media ownership to leading the right-wing Greek Solution party. His career is marked by controversy, ranging from the promotion of historical manuscripts to shifting party allegiances and significant financial decisions during economic instability.
Born in West Germany in 1965, Kyriakos Velopoulos grew up in Thessaloniki and built a multifaceted career as a journalist, author, and politician. His early political involvement included the youth organization of PASOK, followed by a tenure with the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS), where he served as a parliamentary representative between 2007 and 2012. After a brief period with the New Democracy party, he founded the Greek Solution in 2016, a party that has seen steady electoral growth, culminating in securing 9.3% of the vote in the 2024 European elections.
Velopoulos is well-known for his media presence, having presented shows like 'H Vouli' and 'Ellinorama' on various regional stations. He currently owns and presents on the 'Alert TV' channel, a platform he has used to promote his own books, such as 'Greece Bleeds' and a biography of Alexander the Great. His media activities have occasionally sparked intense public debate, most notably in 2014 when he marketed a book containing copies of manuscripts attributed to Jesus Christ. When this was resurfaced during the 2019 election cycle, it drew sharp criticism from academics and media outlets who questioned the authenticity of the artifacts, though Velopoulos maintained his defense of their historical legitimacy.
Beyond his media and political life, Velopoulos has faced scrutiny regarding his personal financial decisions. In 2012, reports emerged that he had transferred €400,000 abroad during a period of intense fear regarding a potential Greek default. His political rhetoric often challenges the status quo; for instance, he has publicly criticized the legal proceedings against members of the Golden Dawn party, characterizing the arrests as a coordinated plot by the government and the judiciary. Today, as a member of the Hellenic Parliament representing Larissa, he remains a significant, if contentious, voice in the Greek political landscape.
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