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Greek expats angered at voting exclusion
| Published: | 23 Jan at 12 PM |
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Greeks abroad have admitted their frustration at not being allowed to vote as the southern European nation gears up for its general elections.
Electoral regulations state that expats can only cast their ballots if they return home to do so, which for many is not possible.
In the Belgian capital, Brussels, there are an estimated 20,000 Greek citizens, many of whom are becoming increasingly angry by the situation.
One such person, 29-year-old economics and international relations graduate Nick, quit Greece in 2011 amid the financial crisis. He explained that just because he has moved away, it didn’t mean he didn’t care about the future of his country and what was in store for his family and friends. He added that he hoped the next government would try to improve things so expats such as him could return one day.
Another expat in Brussels, lawyer Nikos Korogiannakis, noted that what was going on in Greece affected the lives of those who had moved away. He pointed out that the majority of these people had family still living in Greece, while they also still paid taxes if they owned property.
An online petition criticisng the situation has been launched, while some voters are resorting to crowdfunding to purchase their tickets.
Electoral regulations state that expats can only cast their ballots if they return home to do so, which for many is not possible.
In the Belgian capital, Brussels, there are an estimated 20,000 Greek citizens, many of whom are becoming increasingly angry by the situation.
One such person, 29-year-old economics and international relations graduate Nick, quit Greece in 2011 amid the financial crisis. He explained that just because he has moved away, it didn’t mean he didn’t care about the future of his country and what was in store for his family and friends. He added that he hoped the next government would try to improve things so expats such as him could return one day.
Another expat in Brussels, lawyer Nikos Korogiannakis, noted that what was going on in Greece affected the lives of those who had moved away. He pointed out that the majority of these people had family still living in Greece, while they also still paid taxes if they owned property.
An online petition criticisng the situation has been launched, while some voters are resorting to crowdfunding to purchase their tickets.
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