What's happened
A Greek court has ruled that Vasilis Stigas and two lawmakers from the far-right Spartans party misled voters in the 2023 elections, resulting in their removal from parliament. This decision reduces the number of parliamentary seats from 300 to 297 and lowers the legislative threshold for passing laws.
What's behind the headline?
Implications of the Ruling
- Impact on Far-Right Politics: This decision sends a strong message to far-right parties in Greece, emphasizing the need to adhere to democratic norms. The ruling may deter similar electoral fraud in the future.
- Legislative Changes: With the reduction of parliamentary seats and the lowered threshold for passing legislation, the ruling could lead to more significant shifts in legislative power dynamics.
- Public Sentiment: Despite the setback for the Spartans, polls indicate a continued rise in far-right sentiment among voters, suggesting that the ideological battle is far from over.
- Future of Kasidiaris: The ongoing influence of Ilias Kasidiaris, even from prison, raises questions about the long-term viability of far-right movements in Greece. His supporters may still rally around his ideology, complicating the political landscape.
This ruling is a pivotal moment in Greek politics, reflecting broader trends across Europe regarding the rise of far-right parties and their challenges to democratic institutions.
What the papers say
According to Helena Smith in The Guardian, the court's decision is unprecedented, stating that it leaves the parliament operating with just 297 MPs for the first time since the end of military rule. Smith highlights that the ruling was based on the deception of voters, as Stigas was not the true leader of the Spartans. Meanwhile, AP News notes that the ruling has been welcomed by Greece's conservative government, indicating a political shift in response to the far-right's rise. The Independent echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the implications for the legislative process in Greece, particularly the lowered threshold for passing laws.
How we got here
The ruling follows concerns over the rise of far-right parties in Greece, particularly the Spartans, which emerged after the disbanding of the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn. The court found that Stigas acted as a proxy for Ilias Kasidiaris, a convicted criminal and former Golden Dawn leader.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this ruling for future elections?
- How has the public reacted to the court's decision?
- What does this mean for the far-right movement in Greece?
Common question
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What Led to the Removal of Far-Right MPs in Greece?
A recent court ruling in Greece has sparked significant political changes by removing far-right MPs from parliament. This unprecedented decision raises questions about the implications for Greece's political landscape, future elections, and legislative processes. Here’s what you need to know.
More on these topics
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Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic, known also as Hellas, is a country located in Southeast Europe. Its population is approximately 10.7 million as of 2018; Athens, the nation's capital, is its largest city, followed by Thessaloniki.