Declaration of Establishment of the Political Party AURIO
Legal Basis
This declaration is made pursuant to Greek Law 3023/2002 on the financing of political parties, which requires a declaration of establishment signed by at least 200 founding members for registration with the Areios Pagos (Supreme Court).
Party Details
Name: AURIO
Meaning: Tomorrow. A commitment to building the future Greece deserves, starting with what we are building and what has been proven elsewhere.
Headquarters: Aisymi, Evros, Greece
Legal form: Political party registered under Greek law
Statement of Principles
AURIO is founded on seven principles, each grounded in evidence and demonstrated in practice around the world.
1. Local Economies Create National Prosperity
Research consistently demonstrates that locally owned businesses circulate revenue within their communities at two to four times the rate of chain or multinational operations. The Mondragon cooperative network in the Basque Country has demonstrated for seven decades that worker owned enterprises create more resilient, equitable economies. Greece’s economic recovery must be built from the regions outward, not from Athens downward.
2. Energy Must Be Owned by the People Who Use It
Denmark’s community wind cooperatives, now numbering in the thousands, generate clean energy, reduce household costs and keep revenue local. Germany’s Energiewende demonstrated that decentralised generation outperforms centralised monopolies on resilience, cost and democratic accountability. Greek communities should own the energy they produce and benefit from the energy infrastructure they host.
3. Democracy Requires Participation, Not Just Representation
Participatory budgeting, first implemented in Porto Alegre in 1989 and now operational in over 7,000 cities worldwide, has been documented by the World Bank and by researchers including Sintomer, Herzberg and Rocke to improve spending efficiency, increase civic engagement and reduce corruption. Greek municipalities should give their citizens genuine decision making power over public budgets.
4. Education Must Be Built on Trust and Craft
Finland’s education system, documented extensively by Pasi Sahlberg, achieves the best outcomes in Europe through trust in teachers, minimal standardised testing, emphasis on equality and respect for diverse learning styles. Paulo Freire demonstrated that education either domesticates or liberates: the banking model of Greek education sorts talented young people and exports them; education built on dialogue, praxis and critical consciousness produces people who build their communities rather than leave them. Greece’s education system should follow the Finnish model of system design and the Freirean philosophy of liberation rather than the test and rank approach that has failed students for decades.
5. Culture Is Infrastructure
Richard Florida and Charles Landry have documented that cultural vitality is a primary driver of talent retention and economic dynamism. Villages and regions die not because they lack subsidies but because they lack meaning. Culture, music, craft and community gathering are economic development tools, not luxuries to be funded after prosperity arrives.
6. Greece Thrives Through Openness and Cooperation
Diverse societies outperform insular ones. Research across economics, innovation studies and organisational science consistently demonstrates that diverse teams produce better outcomes, diverse economies are more resilient and societies that welcome people from other cultures build stronger institutions. Racism and cultural insularity are not just moral failures. They are economic liabilities that cost Greece talent, investment and international partnerships.
Greece cannot reverse the brain drain while signalling hostility to anyone who does not look Greek. The young Greeks who left for London, Berlin and Amsterdam have lived and worked alongside people from every continent. They will not return to a country that treats diversity as a threat. And Greece cannot build productive partnerships across continents while its political culture treats cooperation with Africa, Asia and the Middle East as a concession rather than an opportunity.
AURIO commits to intercontinental cooperation in technology, trade, education and culture. A software craftsmanship programme in a Greek village that connects to engineers in Nigeria is not development aid. It is a business model that proves what openness makes possible. Greece’s future depends on its willingness to cooperate across borders and across the prejudices that decades of political exploitation have embedded in its culture.
7. Women in Governance: Evidence over Tradition
Rwanda’s parliament is 61% women, the highest in the world. Senegal went from 22% to 44% with a single parity law. Research consistently demonstrates that higher female representation correlates with lower corruption, higher social spending and better health outcomes. Chattopadhyay and Duflo proved causally that women leaders invest more in public goods. Africa leads the world on this issue. Greece, at approximately 22%, does not.
AURIO commits to gender parity in all party structures and candidate lists, using the zebra system of alternating men and women. AURIO will advocate for legislated gender parity in Greek electoral law. This commitment is grounded in evidence, not ideology, and in the recognition that Greece has much to learn from the governance innovations of the African continent.
What We Are Building
AURIO is not a party of promises. It is a party that builds before it asks.
AURIO’s founder is a graduate of Applied Informatics from the University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki, who completed an Erasmus exchange in Web and Internet Technologies in the United Kingdom and then spent 15 years there, 13 of them working as a software engineer in London. A British citizen who chose to return. Not to Athens. Not to Thessaloniki. To Aisymi, a village of 220 people in Evros, one of the most neglected border regions in Greece.
The founder is the brain drain, reversed. Sorted by the Greek education system, exported to London, successful there, and then back. To build something in the place that needed it most. That choice is AURIO’s founding act.
In Aisymi, a software craftsmanship dojo is being established. Students will learn test driven development, production systems and engineering discipline through a rigorous master apprentice model built on Freirean praxis: build, reflect, build. The dojo will connect to international operations, creating a technology pipeline running through a village of 220 people. The skills acquired across 13 years in one of the world’s most competitive tech markets will be taught in a Greek mountain village, because TDD does not require a London postcode.
Cultural programming will launch in Aisymi. Show Your Craft evenings, rempetika nights, community gatherings. These events will bring economic activity, social connection and public visibility to a village that has had none of these. They are also, in Freirean terms, conscientização made visible: a community discovering that it can create, not just consume.
AURIO’s policy is not to run these programmes itself. It is to create the conditions, the funding and the municipal support for small and medium businesses across Greece to deliver them. The Aisymi model is a template. The party’s role is to make that template available and fundable for every village and town that wants it.
Both organisations are being built. Both are the foundation of a political programme where the work comes before the mandate. AURIO’s purpose is to create the conditions for others to make the same choice.
Founding Declaration
We, the undersigned 200 founding members of AURIO, declare the establishment of this political party in accordance with Greek Law 3023/2002. We commit to the principles stated above and to the political programme set out in the AURIO National Manifesto.
Founder and Party Leader:
Name: ___________________________
ID Number: ___________________________
Address: ___________________________
Signature: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
Appendix A: Signed founders list (200 founding members with name, ID number and signature)
Charter of the Political Party AURIO
Article 1. Name, Emblem and Headquarters
1.1. The name of the party is AURIO.
1.2. The emblem of the party shall be determined by the Founding Congress and registered with the Areios Pagos.
1.3. The headquarters of the party is located in Aisymi, Municipality of Alexandroupolis, Regional Unit of Evros, Greece.
1.4. The headquarters may be relocated by decision of the Political Council with a two thirds majority.
Article 2. Principles and Purpose
2.1. AURIO is a political party founded on the principles of evidence based policy, participatory democracy, ecological sustainability, social equality and cultural renewal.
2.2. The purpose of the party is to participate in democratic elections at the local, regional, national and European level, and to advance the political programme set out in the AURIO National Manifesto.
2.3. The party commits to the following core positions:
a. Economic policy that supports small and medium businesses, local cooperatives and community ownership of resources.
b. Education policy grounded in the work of Paulo Freire and the Finnish model: trust, craft, liberation and equality.
c. Energy policy that promotes community owned renewable generation and fair benefit sharing from strategic infrastructure.
d. Democratic practice built on genuine participatory budgeting and citizens’ assemblies at the municipal level.
e. Foreign policy based on European sovereignty, international law, principled consistency and cooperation.
f. Cultural policy that treats culture as economic infrastructure, supporting local businesses and community organisations to deliver cultural programming.
g. Border region policy that demands proportionate investment in return for strategic contribution.
2.4. The party rejects all forms of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or social origin.
Article 3. Membership
3.1. Any person who is at least 17 years of age, a citizen of Greece or a legal resident, and who accepts the principles and charter of the party may apply for membership.
3.2. Membership applications are submitted to the Membership Secretary and approved by the local branch or, where no branch exists, by the Political Council.
3.3. Members have the right to:
a. Participate in all party assemblies and congresses.
b. Vote in all elections and decisions within the party.
c. Stand as a candidate for any party office or public election, subject to the procedures in this charter.
d. Submit proposals, motions and amendments to any party body.
e. Receive information about party activities, finances and decisions.
3.4. Members have the obligation to:
a. Respect the charter, principles and decisions of the party.
b. Participate actively in party life.
c. Pay membership dues as determined by the Congress.
d. Conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the values of the party.
3.5. Membership is lost by:
a. Written resignation submitted to the Membership Secretary.
b. Non payment of dues for a continuous period of twelve months, following written notice.
c. Expulsion by the Disciplinary Committee for serious breach of the charter or conduct incompatible with the values of the party. The member has the right to appeal to the Congress.
d. Joining or publicly supporting another political party.
Article 4. Organisational Structure
4.1. The organs of the party are:
a. The Congress (Συνέδριο)
b. The Political Council (Πολιτικό Συμβούλιο)
c. The Executive Committee (Εκτελεστική Επιτροπή)
d. The Party Leader (Πρόεδρος)
e. Local Branches (Τοπικές Οργανώσεις)
f. The Disciplinary Committee (Πειθαρχική Επιτροπή)
g. The Financial Audit Committee (Επιτροπή Οικονομικού Ελέγχου)
Article 5. The Congress
5.1. The Congress is the supreme decision making body of the party.
5.2. The Congress is composed of all members of the party. Where total membership exceeds 500, the Congress may be composed of elected delegates from local branches, with representation proportional to branch membership. The method of delegate election is determined by the Political Council and must ensure equal and democratic representation.
5.3. The Ordinary Congress meets at least once every two years. The date and agenda are announced at least 60 days in advance.
5.4. An Extraordinary Congress may be convened by:
a. Decision of the Political Council.
b. Written request of at least one third of the total membership or one third of local branches.
5.5. The Congress has the authority to:
a. Determine the political programme and strategic direction of the party.
b. Elect the Party Leader.
c. Elect the members of the Political Council.
d. Elect the members of the Disciplinary Committee and the Financial Audit Committee.
e. Amend this charter.
f. Approve the annual financial report.
g. Decide on any matter of fundamental importance to the party.
5.6. Decisions of the Congress are taken by simple majority of those present and voting, except where this charter requires a qualified majority.
5.7. Quorum for the Congress is one third of the total membership or delegates.
Article 6. The Political Council
6.1. The Political Council is the principal governing body of the party between Congresses.
6.2. The Political Council is composed of the Party Leader, the Deputy Leader, the General Secretary, the Treasurer and between 7 and 15 additional members, all elected by the Congress.
6.3. The Political Council meets at least once every three months. Meetings may be held in person or by electronic means.
6.4. The Political Council has the authority to:
a. Implement the decisions of the Congress.
b. Determine the party’s position on current political issues.
c. Approve candidates for public elections.
d. Manage the financial affairs of the party within the budget approved by the Congress.
e. Establish working groups, policy committees and thematic sections as needed.
f. Convene an Extraordinary Congress.
6.5. Decisions of the Political Council are taken by simple majority of those present and voting. Quorum is one half of members.
Article 7. The Executive Committee
7.1. The Executive Committee manages the day to day operations of the party.
7.2. The Executive Committee is composed of the Party Leader, the Deputy Leader, the General Secretary, the Treasurer and up to 3 additional members appointed by the Political Council from among its own members.
7.3. The Executive Committee meets as needed and reports to the Political Council at each of its regular meetings.
Article 8. The Party Leader
8.1. The Party Leader is elected by the Congress by secret ballot. Candidates must be members of the party for at least six months prior to the election.
8.2. The Party Leader serves a term of four years and may be re elected for one additional consecutive term. A former Leader may stand again after at least one full term out of office.
8.3. The Party Leader:
a. Represents the party publicly and legally.
b. Chairs the Political Council and the Executive Committee.
c. Proposes the Deputy Leader and General Secretary to the Political Council for approval.
d. Is accountable to the Congress and to the Political Council.
8.4. The Party Leader may be removed from office by:
a. A vote of no confidence by the Congress, requiring a two thirds majority of those present and voting.
b. An Extraordinary Congress convened for this purpose.
8.5. In the event of vacancy, the Deputy Leader assumes the role of Acting Leader until an Extraordinary Congress elects a new Leader within 90 days.
Article 9. Local Branches
9.1. Local branches may be established in any municipality or regional unit where at least 10 party members reside.
9.2. Each local branch elects its own coordinator and representatives by democratic vote of its members.
9.3. Local branches:
a. Organise party activity at the local level.
b. Recruit and register new members.
c. Implement the decisions of the Congress and the Political Council at the local level.
d. Send delegates to the Congress where applicable.
e. Submit proposals and resolutions to the Political Council.
9.4. Local branches operate with autonomy on local matters, provided their actions are consistent with the charter, principles and programme of the party.
9.5. AURIO encourages local branches to practice participatory decision making consistent with the party’s commitment to direct democracy. Branches are encouraged to operate through assemblies open to all local members rather than through closed committees.
Article 10. The Disciplinary Committee
10.1. The Disciplinary Committee is composed of 3 members elected by the Congress who are not members of the Political Council or the Executive Committee.
10.2. The Disciplinary Committee investigates complaints of serious breaches of the charter or conduct incompatible with the values of the party.
10.3. Before any decision, the member concerned has the right to be heard and to present a defence.
10.4. The Disciplinary Committee may impose the following sanctions:
a. Written warning.
b. Suspension of membership rights for a defined period.
c. Expulsion from the party.
10.5. Decisions of the Disciplinary Committee may be appealed to the Congress, whose decision is final.
Article 11. The Financial Audit Committee
11.1. The Financial Audit Committee is composed of 3 members elected by the Congress who are not members of the Political Council, the Executive Committee or the Disciplinary Committee.
11.2. The Financial Audit Committee:
a. Reviews the party’s financial accounts and records.
b. Reports to each Ordinary Congress on the accuracy and propriety of the party’s financial management.
c. May request access to any financial document of the party at any time.
11.3. The party’s finances are managed in full compliance with Greek Law 3023/2002 on the financing of political parties.
Article 12. Financial Management
12.1. The party’s revenue is derived from:
a. Membership dues.
b. Voluntary donations from natural persons, in compliance with the limits set by law.
c. State funding, where applicable under Greek law.
d. Revenue from party events and publications.
12.2. The party accepts donations from both natural and legal persons within the limits set by Greek Law 3023/2002. All donations are published and accessible to any member.
12.3. The party does not accept anonymous donations.
12.4. The Treasurer maintains full and transparent accounts, available for inspection by any member and by the Financial Audit Committee.
12.5. An annual financial report is presented to the Ordinary Congress and published to all members.
12.6. The party’s financial management complies with all requirements of Greek Law 3023/2002 and any subsequent legislation governing the financing of political parties.
Article 13. Candidates for Public Office
13.1. Candidates for public elections are proposed by local branches or by the Political Council and approved by the Political Council.
13.2. Where multiple candidates seek nomination for the same position, the Political Council shall organise a democratic selection process, which may include a vote of all local members in the relevant constituency.
13.3. All candidates must be members of the party and must commit to the party’s programme and charter.
13.4. All candidate lists for elections at every level shall use the zebra system: alternating men and women, starting from the top of the list. No candidate list that does not comply with this requirement shall be submitted by the party. This commitment is grounded in evidence from Rwanda, Senegal and other countries demonstrating that gender parity in governance produces better outcomes for all citizens.
13.5. The party commits to gender parity in all internal governing bodies. The Political Council, Executive Committee, Disciplinary Committee and Financial Audit Committee shall each aim for a minimum of 40% representation of either gender, with full parity as the target.
13.6. Elected officials of the party are accountable to the party bodies and to the voters of their constituency. They are expected to maintain regular communication with the local branch and to participate in party assemblies.
Article 14. Amendments to the Charter
14.1. This charter may be amended by the Congress.
14.2. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Political Council at least 30 days before the Congress.
14.3. Amendments require a two thirds majority of those present and voting at the Congress.
14.4. The Political Council distributes all proposed amendments to members at least 15 days before the Congress.
Article 15. Dissolution
15.1. The party may be dissolved by decision of an Extraordinary Congress convened for this purpose, requiring a three quarters majority of those present and voting.
15.2. In the event of dissolution, the party’s assets, after settlement of all debts and obligations, shall be donated to a non profit organisation active in the fields of education, culture or community development in the Evros region, as determined by the final Congress.
Article 16. Transitional Provisions
16.1. Until the first Ordinary Congress is held, the Founding Congress shall exercise all powers of the Congress.
16.2. The founding members who sign the Declaration of Establishment constitute the initial membership of the party.
16.3. The Party Leader designated in the Declaration of Establishment serves as Acting Leader until the first Ordinary Congress elects a Leader under Article 8.
16.4. The initial Political Council is appointed by the Founding Congress and serves until the first Ordinary Congress.
16.5. This charter enters into force upon its adoption by the Founding Congress and its submission to the Areios Pagos.