Greek parliament votes to ban far-right party from elections

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
12 Apr 2023 10:13
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The action was taken prior to a neck-and-neck race between the ruling New Democracy and opposition Syriza parties.

A Greek national flag flutters atop the parliament building in Athens, Greece. (Reuters)

Greek MPs voted to ban the far-right National Party-Greeks from running in elections that will take place on May 21, as per local media.

According to the state-run AMNA news agency, the main opposition Syriza party abstained while the center-right ruling New Democracy and center-left opposition Psaok parties both voted in favor.

Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras accused the administration of systemic amateurism in an address to the parliament.

“In the end, you manage to become the best sponsors of the Kasidiaris party (Greeks-National Party). You give arguments to those who file a combination to appeal for the annulment of elections to the electoral court and the supreme court of human rights. Imagine the boost it will give to the extreme right if a decision comes out that vindicates them,” he said.

Former lawmaker Ilias Kasidiaris, who is currently serving a more than 13-year prison sentence for his leadership role in Golden Dawn, which was classified as a criminal organization in 2020 for allegations including murder, racist violence, and money laundering, founded the Greeks-National Party two years ago. Despite being imprisoned, Kasidiaris was still able to get a lot of support from YouTube postings.

Interior Minister Makis Voridis, speaking on behalf of the government, accused Syriza of ignoring fascism.

“You would be exposed if you don’t join us to pass the bill,” he said.

In further detail, the populist-nationalist Greek Solution party, alongside former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis’ leftist MeRA25 party voted down the proposal.

The Greek Communist Party (KKE), which was another opponent of the proposal, claimed that it might potentially pave the way for future elections to exclude other political parties.

Greek media stated last week that Syriza's participation in the May 21 parliamentary elections could alter the results, due to narrowing polling margins between it and the dominant incumbent New Democracy party.