Herewith we clarify that the ban on participating in the municipal elections, which has recently been debated in the Greek Parliament, affects immigrants, nationals of third countries, i.e. of non-member states of the European Union. The law of Greek citizenship that had entitled them to participate in the local elections in 2010 was cancelled by decision of the Greek Supreme Court a year ago. Then, 12,500 people, mainly in Athens and Thessaloniki, had appeared at the polling stations and voted for mayors and municipal councillors.
The reactions on the part of the left-wing parties are violent whereas the government argues that legal immigrants should not vote until the adoption of a new law that will regulate such matters. The opposition in turn states that through the introduction of the ban the government is trying to win more votes.
According to competent institutions, the measure will affect 10,800 people. The vote on the amendment that will decide whether legal immigrants from third countries will vote in the forthcoming local elections is in the works and the violent debate on the issue is continuing.
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