According to Mera25’s statement, members of the initiative outlined the history of efforts to secure voting rights in local elections for legally resident third-country nationals, migrants and refugees. The campaign gained renewed momentum following discussions on constitutional reform in Parliament several months ago.
‘The right to vote in municipal elections for migrants who are third-country nationals with legal, long-term residence was initially established in Greece under Law 3838/2010. However, it was ruled unconstitutional by the plenary of the Council of State in 2013, on the grounds that the right to vote and stand for election to local authorities is reserved exclusively for Greek and EU citizens. Since then, third-country nationals have remained excluded from exercising this right,’ the party recalled.
‘Recognising the right of legally resident third-country nationals, migrants and refugees to vote in local elections is not an exception to European practice. In many European countries, participation in local political life is seen as a means of integration, strengthening social cohesion and fostering shared responsibility for local affairs,’ Mera25 added.
The party also reiterated its broader position on migration and refugee policy, arguing that confronting far-right anti-immigration rhetoric requires comprehensive social integration policies.
‘We have contributed to the public debate with extensive proposals on migration and refugee issues. The only way to counter far-right anti-immigration rhetoric is through a plan for full social integration, based on education, training and opportunities in employment and society, while guaranteeing full political rights, including the right to vote and stand in local elections for all foreign nationals who have completed five years of legal residence in Greece.
‘At the same time, we seek to facilitate legalisation and eliminate bureaucratic and income-related barriers that prevent migrants from obtaining Greek citizenship. We oppose strict financial criteria, such as those introduced under the “Voridis law”, which require proof of a specified income for naturalisation.’
Mera25 also criticised restrictive migration policies, arguing that punitive measures and border controls have failed to address the underlying issues.
‘Policies of punishment, criminalisation, obstruction, pushbacks and fences have never solved any problem, either today or at any point in history. On the contrary, they have perpetuated these problems and, instead of a coordinated policy that respects international conventions, have left desperate masses of people searching for ways to survive.
‘Recognising the right to participate in local elections, both to vote and to stand as a candidate, is an essential democratic safeguard that will significantly enrich social life and contribute to peaceful coexistence in our cities.’
Concluding its statement, Mera25 reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the initiative and its future activities.
‘For our part, we reiterate our commitment to supporting the demands of initiatives fighting for equal treatment and equal rights for migrants and refugees, both within society and by the state. We actively support the efforts of the Initiative for the Right to Vote for Migrants and Refugees in Local Elections, and we will stand alongside them in every subsequent action they undertake.’
______________________________________________
Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.
Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.