Political dominoes on the extreme right after the “block” in the Spartans

The decision of the Supreme Court on the non-participation of the Spartans in the European elections is expected to affect the balances on the extreme right of the political spectrum.

A decision, of course, to a large extent expected, as it was now clear that Ilias Kasidiaris, convicted of participation in the criminal organization Golden Dawn, was the real leader of the far right party.

And which came on the day that the independent MP Konstantinos Floros, who has been elected with the Spartans, punched the Hellenic Solution MP Vassilis Grammenos inside the Parliament.

The reason for the beating was of course… personal, but the party of Kyriakos Velopoulos obviously also claims the “orphan” voters of the Spartans. However, it is estimated that a large percentage of them will be led to the party of Afroditis Latinopoulos, which is praised on social media by well-known far-right elements. It is therefore considered that he can possibly elect an MEP.

In New Democracy, they don’t think they can get voters from the specific electorate. And that’s not because they wouldn’t want to, but as the majority of Spartan voters consider ND very… light. A share of Spartan voters are also thought to be more likely to choose a minor party in protest or to abstain.

Praise and attacks

The main political benefit that the ND seeks after the “block” in the Spartans is to consolidate its own dominance in the space from the right to the center.

The ND in particular tries to present itself as the only option for stability. And the fact that SYRIZA did not finally submit a memorandum against the participation of the Spartans in the European elections, as ND, PASOK and New Left did, gives the government the reason to attack Stefanos Kasselakis.

Yes, Vassilis Stiga’s “praises” to SYRIZAalthough the leader of the official opposition broke his clothes that he does not want the voters of the Spartans, provoked the ironic comment of the government representative, Pavlos Marinakis.

“Many wondered why SYRIZA for 4.5 years could not find a courtroom to try the case of the criminal organization Golden Dawn. Why didn’t he vote for the controversial amendment we tabled in 2023. Why didn’t he submit a memorandum in the parliamentary elections. Why did he submit a “text-declaration” for the participation of the Spartans in the European elections, after the relevant deadline had passed”Mr. Marinakis mentioned in particular and argued:

“Today, the president of the Spartans, Mr. Stigas, stated that Mr. Kasselakis’ SYRIZA “has the dignity of not filing a memorandum” and convinced even the most skeptical. Some, unfortunately, prefer to “fish” for votes in murky waters than to defend our Republic with actions.“

While on the PASOK side, the Movement’s parliamentary representative, Dimitris Manzos, intervened after Stiga’s statements.

“How do you feel that the head of the formation came today and congratulated you? Colleagues of SYRIZA, how do you feel? Do you feel dignity? And Stigas compliments you today. Be proud of them!”said Mr. Manzos, addressing the MPs of the official opposition, and mockingly added:

“Will your leader make TikTok videos too? Let him stop again in Makronissos, this time tell us why he did not submit a memorandum. As you did in May and June, before the national elections. Will you find an excuse? Did you miss the deadline? Do you feel dignity? That you honor the left and its struggles?”

What will happen to the seats of the Spartans?

It is reminded that the decision of the electoral court is also pending for the seats of the Spartans, which is expected to be issued in June, possibly before the European elections.

After yesterday’s “blockade” by the Supreme Court, it seems more and more likely that their participation in the 2023 national elections will be cancelled. The judiciary will decide in this case how these 12 seats in the Parliament will be paid for.

There are two scenarios: The first scenario is to call elections only for the specific seats. However, a possibility that creates problems, as it means that elections will be held only in 12 regions as unicameral with a different electoral system from the national elections (majority).

The second scenario is to make a proportional redistribution of seats to the remaining parties based on their electoral strength in the last elections. In this case, of course, ND will get the most seats based on 41%.