A landmark bill lifting most restrictions on Greek citizens’ right to vote from abroad was approved by an enhanced majority of deputies in Parliament on Tuesday, with 208 MPs out of 300 approving the legislation.
The specific draft law needed approval by 200 deputies in the 300-MP legislature, with the final tally being 208 in favor and 68 against. Twenty-four deputies merely voted “present”.
Deputies from ruling New Democracy (ND) party were joined by those from the lesser opposition PASOK, Niki and the Plefsi Eleftherias parties in voting in favor.
Main opposition SYRIZA and the Communist Party (KKE), both on the left and far-left political spectrum, voted against.
Deputies of the newly formed and ultra-nationalist Spartiates (Spartans) party and those of the Elliniki Lysi (Hellenic Solution) party, which is also right-of-center, voted against – a minor surprise when compared to their founding political positions.
The legislation allows Greek nationals, who are still registered in election rolls in the country, to vote from their place of residence abroad. Additionally, Greek citizens temporarily overseas will also be able to vote remotely.
Previous restrictions, such as living two years in the country over the past 35 years and filing tax returns, prevented many Greek citizens outside the country from voting, with “red tape” also keeping potential voters away.
Most European countries allow their citizens to vote from abroad, in one way or another.
Ethnic Greek organizations from around the world have long requested the right to vote from abroad.
Latest News
Greek Hotels Vindicated by Commission’s Ruling on Booking.com
The Commission has ruled that Booking is a "gatekeeper" and must comply with the Digital Marketing Act, addressing complaints by the European Hotel Industry and Hellenic Chamber of Hotels
Which Islands Will Have Italians Flocking to Greece this Summer?
Well-known Italian travel magazine details reasons why Skopelos, Naxos and Astypalaia are the go-to summer destinations for Italians
Antentokounmpo 5th Highest Paid Athlete in World
The basketball player rakes in 111 million dollars per year, between his salary at the Bucks and endorsements from big brands like Amazon, Nike and Pepsi
Greek FM Gerapetritis: Need to Immediately End Gaza Hostilities
Gerapetritis added that a humanitarian crisis was transpiring in Gaza, with the concerns now being spillover in the wider Middle East.
ETC Report: Greece 3rd Most Popular Destination for Europeans
Italy and Spain are tied as the top destinations, each attracting 8% of travelers
Greece Battles EC to Protect Rice Industry and Public Health
Together with several other EU countries, Greece successfully blocked the European Commission's proposal to increase allowable levels of a banned pesticide commonly found in rice imported from southeast Asia
Eurostat: 3.2% Annual Inflation in Greece in April
The data shows that Greece ranks seventh in overall inflation within the eurozone and second in food inflation
Intrum’s 2024 Report Unveils Greek Businesses Embrace Digitalization for Growth
Looking ahead, over 40% of businesses prioritize development for 2024, with 65% recognizing the potential of digital business models as sustainable investments
IOBE: Mild Drop in April Business Confidence Index (BCI) in Greece
The positive balance of expectations for employment witnessed a marginal decline, while the index for production forecasts also recorded a mild drop
Greek PM Mitsotakis Calls on EU to Intervene Over Multinationals’ Pricing Policy
Speaking about price fairness, the Prime Minister emphasized, "Europe should also mean similar or uniform prices for the products sold by our multinational corporations.