"Niko, we must restore the lost honor of politics. Economic factors should be attributed to the respective government and not vice versa." These were the words of Kostas Karamanlis that convinced me to leave my career in the private sector and dedicate myself to the public. I believed - and still strongly believe - even if it sounds romantic or impossible, that the biggest obstacle to the homeland we all dream of is corruption. Five other Greek Prime Ministers in the last 40 years saw it as an unbeatable opponent. Throughout history, it has proven to be greater than the power of the state. Karamanlis condensed the phenomenon into one word: "DAVATZIDES".

"Greece is governed by five Davatzides." That's how simply and comprehensibly he showed who the invisible enemy of progress is.

This book has a dual purpose. It is a political intervention, a narrative, a confession, to help the many understand how we are oppressed, how our dreams for a better life are stolen by a handful - counted on fingers - of families.

It is also a historical journey that demonstrates how for 200 years faces changed, but not practices: Kotzampasides, tax collectors, German collaborators, corrupt politicians, oligarchs, barons, Davatzides.

This year, in 2021, we celebrate the anniversary of the Revolution of 1821. Another battle that has not been fought remains open. We can expose them from the dark shadows that cover these inhumane vampires. They despise publicity, even though they control the Media. And they throw veils of concealment whenever their interests are threatened. Their servants are the small Davatzides, mainly dishonest politicians, embedded journalists, perjured government officials.

They do not see us as citizens, nor as employees, not even as customers, but as insignificant ants.

Our Greece, the most beautiful country in the world, is once again overshadowed by a heavy veil of corruption. Our culture is being rushed by the stench of social immorality.

In the new post-COVID-19 era, even bigger DAVATZIDES threaten the locals and along with it, whatever is left of our health, our thoughts, and our freedom: BIG-TECH, BIG-PHARMA, BIG BANKS. If we don't react now in 2021, it will be too late in 2022...

The book you are holding in your hands is the first open challenge to them. It is a ray of light against the shadows. More will follow. The new struggle begins now. (Nikolas Karachalios, from the presentation on the back cover of the book)