The issues of whether or not Greeks of the diaspora should be given the right to vote (and how) was discussed at length by Federal MP Steve Georganas and Greek politicians on a recent trip to Greece. Mr Georganas spoke about this issue with Pyrros Dimas, PASOK MP – and former Olympics weightlifter – responsible for Greeks abroad.
Mr Georganas said there is a consensus across the board both with the politicians and the Greek public that Greeks of the diaspora should be given some voting rights but the question of how remains. However, Mr Dimas said he was keen to ensure Greeks of the diaspora got the right to vote.
“There is a view that [Greeks of the diaspora] aren’t living under the austerity measures so how can they know what it’s like?” explained Mr Georganas to Neos Kosmos. As it stands, Greeks of the diaspora have the right to vote in an election but under Greek electoral laws you have to be present to vote at a polling booth on election day.
The leader of SYRIZA, Alexis Tsipras showed an avid interest in Australia when he met with Mr Georganas and added he would visit in the near future. The two discussed the economic climate of Greece with Mr Tsipras, reaffirming his view that Greece should never have signed the memorandum for the austerity measures.
Mr Georganas met with Dimitris Avramopoulos, Greece’s foreign affairs minister. They spoke in depth about the work and holiday visa, with Mr Avramopoulos assuring the Greek Australian MP they will progress issues further.
“We are waiting for an initiative form the Greek government,” said Mr Georganas, “they are in agreeance for it in Greece, but they have other priorities.”
The work and holiday visa discussion is a positive step for the two nations, expressed Mr Georganas.
“It gives young people the opportunity to go to Greece and stay there to work and not just for Greek Australians, any Australians. This is good, as those ties formed in the 12 months become bonds for life. We talked about other ways to have student exchanges between the two nations.”
Australian ambassador to Greece, Jenny Bloomfield, was also present at the meeting and she said she is doing all she can to take the next step for this visa to come into fruition.
Mr Georganas also met with his equivalent, the deputy speaker of the house in parliament Athanassios Nakos. The two discussed how their parliament operates and the parliamentary relationships between Australia and Greece.