The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis shared a warm handshake and applause as they attended the book presentation of Evripidis Stylianidis, dedicated to the challenges and dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The event, held at the Athens Conservatory, was not only a cultural occasion but also a symbolic display of party unity around a forward-looking issue.
In his speech, Mitsotakis praised Stylianidis for addressing one of the century’s most pressing dilemmas, noting that AI governance and ethics will be among the first topics in the upcoming constitutional reform. He emphasized that Greece must prepare legally and institutionally to harness AI’s potential while safeguarding democratic values and citizens’ rights.
The audience featured a strong showing from the government and parliament: House Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis, former President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, and ministers Nikos Dendias, Adonis Georgiadis, Vassilis Kikilias, Pavlos Marinakis, Niki Kerameus, Thanos Plevris, Giannis Kefalogiannis, and Parliamentary Secretary Maximos Charakopoulos. Dozens of MPs were also present, underscoring the event’s significance.
Notably absent was Antonis Samaras, whose aides said it was a “personal choice.” His absence coincided with confirmation that the Prime Minister would make a brief intervention at the event. Later, Dimitris Giannos, Samaras’ legal counsel in the Novartis case, posted on Facebook that “some things are beyond politics,” hinting at a personal reason for non-attendance.
Upon leaving the event, Mitsotakis remarked to journalists: “As you can see, New Democracy is fully engaged on the front line of Artificial Intelligence.” The comment was interpreted as both a show of confidence and a subtle reminder of party cohesion in times of digital transformation.
Stylianidis’ book, which examines the ethical, legal, and geopolitical implications of AI, was widely praised as a timely contribution to national debate, bridging politics, technology, and philosophy.
