Greek Far-Right Lawmakers Face Potential Charges of Election Fraud
In a significant development that could reshape the Greek political landscape, the Supreme Court prosecutor has recommended that charges be brought against 11 lawmakers from the far-right Spartans party. The Athens News Agency reported that these individuals are suspected of deceiving voters during the June 2023 national election by allegedly taking orders from a jailed politician.
The implicated lawmakers, four of whom now serve as independents, face the possibility of their election being annulled. This would occur if misdemeanor charges lead to a trial and subsequent conviction, potentially redistributing their seats within the 300-seat parliament. The controversy erupted as the Spartans party saw a surge in polling numbers after an endorsement from Ilias Kasidiaris, who is currently serving time for his role in the outlawed Golden Dawn party.
An investigation prompted by a complaint from the Spartans’ official leader, Vassilios Stigas, revealed that Kasidiaris might be the actual leader pulling the strings behind the scenes. This revelation is critical as Greek law prohibits parties from running in elections if their “real leaders” have been convicted of serious crimes. Kasidiaris, who is expected to be charged according to ANA, has dismissed the allegations through his lawyer as “a joke.”
Amidst the unfolding scandal, two lawmakers, George Manousos and Ioannis Dimitrokallis, tendered their resignations. Manousos expressed his disappointment with the credibility lent to what he considered baseless accusations, while Dimitrokallis cited unjust accountability due to the criminal charge against him. In contrast, Stigas has urged unity among his party members, suggesting that the Spartans are being unfairly targeted.
The case is now awaiting a ruling from an election court, expected by June. This decision will not only affect the individual lawmakers but could also influence the Spartans party’s standing in the upcoming European Parliament elections. With the political stakes high, all eyes are on the Greek justice system as it navigates through this complex issue of alleged election fraud involving far-right lawmakers.
