It’s hard to imagine that the people who introduced democracy to the world would become so disillusioned and apathetic with the political landscape. Greece is expecting a record low turnout to the ballots this weekend for the Euroelections.
Any hope last Thursday’s nationally televised debate would spark interest was quickly put to rest the following day by a series of ruthless headlines in the press, most of which labeled the debate boring a waste of time.
Representatives of the five parliament parties presented their political views ahead of the upcoming vote for the European parliament. Research by Kapa Research that was completed immediately following the debate, revealed the biggest approval rate was received by Greece’s Prime Minister and leader of the ruling New Democracy Kostas Karamanlis, who received 36.4 per cent.
In second place with 27.7 per cent was the leader of the oppositional socialist party PASOK Georgios Papandreou. Surprisingly, in third place was the leader of the far right LAOS party, Georgios Karatzeferis, with an approval of 7.7 per cent.
Fourth place went to the leader of the Greek communist party K.K.E, Aleka Papariga, with 7.1pper cent and with the least approval is the leader of the Radical Coalition (SYRIZA) Alekos Alavanos.
Incredibly, 11.2 per cent of those polled answered that they do not support any of the five leaders. It’s a common held sentiment, especially amongst young expatriate Diaspora voters.
Lambros Kapoulas is 27, a Greek American, and recently moved to Athens from Washington D.C. Having just completed his military service, Lambros is actively seeking employment but says there is very little out there in the way of any labour market programs or assistance in seeking work.
He says he has already become ‘disillusioned’ with the current state of affairs in Greece and with the lack of leadership shown by the major political parties.
“I have decided not to vote for anyone because they way I see it they are all one and the same,” Lambros told Neos Kosmos English Edition (NKEE).
“It’s clear there is no real vision for the future and the country is just taking things one day at a time,” he adds.
Lambros’ girlfriend Georgia Xenou is 25, a Greek Canadian who also recently moved to Athens from Toronto. Although this is the first election since her arrival, she too will abstain from voting. Like her boyfriend, Georgia believes the lack of leadership is driving many young Greeks away from the polls.
“We have been following the debates and news reports but have yet to identify a party or politician with a clear plan for the future, they seem more intent on attacking each other than on discussing solution to the many problems the country faces,” Georgia explains.
Others, like expatriate 29-year-old Helena Alexandrakis, a psychologist and originally from Sydney, feel that they’re vote is worthless.
“I am almost ashamed to admit I have not given it much thought and will not be voting because the reality is I don’t feel my vote will make a difference,” she says.
It’s a view shared by Peggy Dimoula who although keen to participate in her first elections since arriving from Adelaide last year, just cannot decide on who to vote for.
“I don’t feel as though my vote will really change anything because I don’t even believe the result of the Euroelections will make any difference, it seems to be taken lightly by most of my friends too and we see it almost as a popularity contest in view of the upcoming national elections,” the 26year old English teacher says.