Greek opposition parties reacted strongly on Tuesday following the last-minute introduction by the government of an amendment to a draft bill on postal voting, which initially allowed only Greek expats to cast their ballots in European Parliament elections, while the modification would also envision mail-in voting in the general elections.
The last-minute amendment, tabled by Interior Minister Niki Kerameous, triggered the reactions of leftist SYRIZA and centrist PASOK, both of which had cited initial support for the original draft law, which makes Greek citizens living abroad eligible to vote in European Parliament elections.
SYRIZA labeled it as a petty partisan trick, clandestine maneuvers that “undermine consensus in favor of partisan political gains.” PASOK’s response was vehement, with the centrist party’s officials stating that the debate on the issue would now have to start from scratch, as “for the first time, such a substantial change is made to a draft law by the Mitsotakis government that we are called to vote on, without the responsible minister having even prepared us for it.”
The sudden shift from a consensus by both SYRIZA and PASOK on the initial legislation is evident by the fact that both opposition parties voted in favor of “unconstitutional objection” on the bill raised by the Communist Party (KKE), right-wing “Greek Solution” (Elliniki Lisi) and leftist “New Left” (Nea Aristera).
The recent decision to broaden the scope of postal voting to include national elections has been met with joy and appreciation among the Greek diaspora, John Chrysoulakis, the Secretary-General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy stated in an interview with public radio, emphasizing the significance of this development, highlighting the expatriates’ deep connection to their homeland and their eagerness to actively contribute to the democratic process. The move is seen as a gesture that strengthens the bond between Greece and its global community, symbolizing one of the most meaningful gestures made by the homeland to its diaspora, he said.
Source: tovima.com
Latest News
Energy Giant Chevron Expresses Interest in Drilling in Greece
In line with this effort, the Hellenic Hydrocarbon Resources Management and Energy Resources Company (HEREMA) is submitting the Strategic Environmental Impact Study today
UBS ‘Bullish’ on Greek Banks
UBS highlights the positive trends in loans and savings and the financing cost, stressing corporate credit expansion acts as the driving force for the banking sector’s profit margins
Cost of Banking in Greece Drops from Monday
The measure aims to lower the cost of doing business and everyday transactions in Greece, with an estimated annual cost to banks of approximately €150 million.
Greek Tax Bureau Chief Details Efforts to Curb Evasion; Digitalize Administration
Independent revenue authority (AADE) Gov. George Pitsilis addresses OECD summit, cites reduction in lost VAT remittances from almost 30% in 2017 to 13.7% by 2022
Inflation in Greece at 3.7% in December 2023: Eurostat
According to recent data from ELSTAT (Hellenic Statistical Authority), inflation in Greece rate reached 3.5% in December 2023, up from 3% in November.
Winter Sales Season: Stores Open on Sunday in Greece
Most stores will operate between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, while shopping malls will stay open until later, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Greek Primary Surplus of €8.6bln at End of 2024
In previous budget execution reports, in October, a net amount of €3.241bln was collected from the new Concession Agreement for Attiki Odos
Fraport Greece Posts Record Numbers in 2024
In December 2024, the 14 airports posted impressive numbers in passenger traffic, welcoming a total of 805,056 visitors
Greek Economic Sentiment Steady in Dec 2024
The trade deficit amounted to 4.6 billion euros, up by 340 million euros from the same period last year.
UBS Positive Outlook on Greece, Sees Moody’s Upgrade
Moody's remains the only one of the three major credit rating agencies that still rates Greece at Ba1, one notch below investment grade