Konstantina Kouneva Greek activist, MP Date of Birth: 28.09.1964 Country: Greece

1. Early Life and Education
2. Activist and Union Leader
3. Acid Attack
4. Public Outcry and Protests
5. Post-Attack Recovery
6. Political Career

Early Life and Education

Eleni Kouneva was born in a Greek-Bulgarian family and pursued a degree in history from Veliko Tarnovo University in Bulgaria. In 2001, she relocated to Greece.

Activist and Union Leader

Kouneva initially worked in sanitation in the Athens subway system. As General Secretary of the Athens Cleaners' and Janitors' Union, she championed workers' rights in the industry. Her activism met with threats, including physical violence and death threats.

Acid Attack

On December 22, 2008, Kouneva was the victim of a brutal acid attack by two unidentified men. The assault left her with severe burns to her face, arms, and back, threatening her eyesight. The attack was widely condemned as the most violent assault on a union leader in decades.

Public Outcry and Protests

The acid attack sparked widespread outrage and street protests, continuing for weeks and drawing up to 3,000 demonstrators. Police were forced to intervene with tear gas to disperse the crowds.

Post-Attack Recovery

Despite the trauma, Kouneva remained resolute in her activism. Following her recovery, she resumed her work as a union leader.

Political Career

In the European Parliament elections of 2014, Kouneva ran on the ticket of the left-wing SYRIZA party and was elected as a Member of the European Parliament. She represents the European United Left / Nordic Green Left group.