In a move set to “deepen democracy,” Interior Minister Niki Kerameus expressed optimism ahead of Monday’s submission of a bill to Parliament, introducing postal voting for Greeks living abroad. 

The specific legislative initiative concerns the European elections and referendums, with national elections to be discussed at a later date.

Minister Kerameus announced the government’s intention to extend postal voting to national elections in the future, underscoring the commitment to enhancing democratic participation. 

The major opposition parties, including New Democracy, SYRIZA, PASOK, and Course for Freedom, have signaled their acceptance of the measure in principle, providing a promising outlook for the country’s political landscape.

Minister Kerameus addressed concerns raised by some opposition members who view the initiative as an electoral maneuver that might compromise the integrity of elections due to the involvement of private postal companies.

“The broad consensus among major political parties on the acceptance of the bill is a promising signal for our political system and its capacity to reach agreements on matters of democracy. This isn’t a mere electoral ploy but a significant democratic reform supported by a large majority of the national parliament. It facilitates the exercise of the right to vote and ultimately deepens our democratic processes,” Kerameus stated in ‘Kathimerini’.

Highlighting that postal voting is a common practice in numerous countries, the minister emphasized that the government has incorporated best practices and additional safeguards to ensure the secrecy and transparency of the voting process.

Addressing concerns about the involvement of private postal service providers, Kerameus reassured the public that stringent standards would be enforced. She asserted that there is no way these companies could interfere with a voter’s choices.

The legislative initiative specifically pertains to European elections and referendums, with discussions about its application to national elections slated for a later date. 

Source: Ekathimerini.

In a move to fortify connections with the global Greek community, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is gearing up for a significant visit to the United States next week. 

Mitsotakis’s USA visit kicks off on Wednesday with a prominent stop in New York City, where he will attend an investment forum hosted by JP Morgan. The event is poised to serve as a high-profile platform for the Greek government to showcase its pro-business credentials and highlight the favorable investment climate in the Greek economy to major U.S. investors.

During his stay in New York, Mitsotakis is slated to deliver a keynote address at Columbia University and engage in a joint appearance with Jamie Dimon, the influential chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Chase. These interactions are anticipated to underscore Greece’s economic potential and attractiveness to the global investment community.

The Prime Minister’s itinerary also includes a visit to Chicago, where he will connect with the significant ethnic Greek community in the Midwest. A key focus during this leg of the tour will be the promotion of an upcoming legislative initiative aiming to grant Greek citizens living abroad the right to vote through postal ballots.

Sources from the Maximos Mansion government seat reveal that Mitsotakis’s agenda during his USA visit will primarily revolve around national issues, the economy, and the upcoming European Parliament elections in June. International engagements and appearances are strategically aligned with these crucial priorities.

Highlighting the New York segment of the tour will be the inauguration of an exhibition on Cycladic Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mitsotakis is also scheduled to engage in crucial meetings with representatives of Greek companies participating in the investment forum.

As the Greek Prime Minister undertakes this significant USA visit, his emphasis on engaging with Greeks abroad reflects the government’s dedication to strengthening ties with the global Greek diaspora. 

Sources: Mega Tv and OT Gr.