Could the attention from the National Gallery incident inspire others to the right of New Democracy to express themselves in similar ways?
On March 10, 2025, Nikos Papadopoulos—a doctor and MP for Thessaloniki’s 2nd constituency with the faith-driven Niki party—left the National Gallery after damaging four artworks by Christoforos Katsadiotis. He felt they dishonored Orthodox beliefs, later calling his actions a “poetic expression” of his faith. “Orthodox Christians in Greece deserve respect,” he shared on March 21, hoping to shine a light on what he sees as an overlooked concern.
This heartfelt moment has brought Niki, a party rooted in religious and national values, back into conversation. After a surprising parliamentary win in June 2023, Niki had quieted down as other far-right groups grew louder. Now, it’s finding its voice again—though how long that lasts is anyone’s guess.
The event has sparked chatter among Greece’s more conservative circles. The Holy Synod, a guiding voice for the Orthodox Church, expressed sadness over the exhibition, “The Seduction of the Stranger – Intermediate Space,” and suggested they might ask the government for change. Art and faith have tangled before in Greece, but an MP stepping in so directly feels new and personal.
Echoes of Tempe and Party Heartbeats
Inside Niki, Papadopoulos’ choice has warmed many hearts. In a cozy Viber chat among members, people celebrated his stand, though leader Dimitris Natsios took a moment to reflect before offering support. He later confirmed Papadopoulos would stay. The next day, the MP spoke passionately, comparing the exhibition to the Tempe tragedy—a train crash in 2023 that left 57 families grieving.
Lamprini Rori, a kind-hearted political thinker from the University of Athens, sees this as part of a bigger story. “After Tempe, people’s feelings have lifted up parties with strong views, from both the right and left,” she explains. Niki joined early rallies but didn’t seem to grow, while others like Greek Solution and Voice of Reason blossomed. “Maybe this gallery moment is Niki’s way of reaching out, sharing their care for values they hold dear,” Rori suggests.
Nikos Marantzidis, a thoughtful professor from the University of Macedonia, believes Niki will feel some love from this, though he wonders how far it can carry them. “It’s sweet to see their passion, but I hope it doesn’t turn into a contest of who cares the most. That could get overwhelming,” he says gently.
A Warm, Grassroots Spirit
Niki stands apart from its louder neighbors. It’s a “grassroots movement,” woven into church communities, especially in northern Greece, where faith grew strong during the Macedonian naming talks of the 1990s. Marantzidis adds, “This isn’t quite like other far-right groups. Papadopoulos’ actions are bold, but they don’t fully match Niki’s usual way.”
Its supporters—teachers, priests, doctors, and officers—form a close family of tradition-lovers, a bit like the community bonds of old Spain or Portugal, says a researcher from the north. Niki doesn’t chase flashy ads or online buzz; it grows through Sunday chats after church. “Folks trust the people they know—their priest, their doctor—more than distant leaders,” the researcher shares with a smile. Papadopoulos, a caring cardiologist, fits right in.
A Gentle, Timeless Way
Niki’s roots run deep, though its reach might stay small. Friends who study politics call it a “classic” group, tied to Christian kindness and simpler times. “It’s not like Europe’s big far-right waves,” Marantzidis notes. “Its people—older, proud, protective—cherish faith and heritage, less about borders or bold new ideas.”
That special flavor makes teaming up with others tricky, but Niki’s recent step forward shows it’s still here, quietly hoping to be heard. As Rori puts it, “There’s a lot of heart on the far-right, and Niki’s finding its place with care.”
