By Antonis Anzoletou

This summer is the biggest proof that news and developments never stop. They do not look at seasons and are certainly not affected by the summer rastoni. It is not only the double election battle that took place and the unexpected results that changed the political scene, but everything that followed and what we expect. The government decided to run two bills in July and indeed in the last week before the Parliament closes.

After 48 years, on Monday the bill will be introduced in the Plenary which removes the restrictions that existed on the vote of emigrants. The provision that is in force now and is expected to be repealed determines that in order for a Greek who is abroad and is registered in the electoral rolls to be able to vote in the national elections, he must have lived in Greece for at least 2 years in the last 35 years. At the same time, in the current or previous year (of the elections) he has filed a tax return in the country. This arrangement was supported by SYRIZA and KKE in 2021.

The new legislation is expected to pass, as New Democracy, PASOK, Spartans, Victory and Freedom Sailing reach 220 MPs (200 votes are required according to the Constitution). The majority believe that eventually the Greek Solution that voted for it in 2021 will be drawn up with the government side. As long as the numbers are not refuted, it is estimated that approximately 800,000 Greeks abroad will have the opportunity to vote at the national polls. And of course this fact in itself significantly changes the balance of power.

The interest of the day after tomorrow will be the positioning of the political leaders, the second after the programmatic statements and the vote of confidence received by New Democracy. In order to vote in favor of the regulation, SYRIZA has tabled its own amendment. It envisages the creation of four expatriate electoral districts, so that Greeks living abroad can elect their own representatives. This is their constant demand explained by the official opposition. The government does not appear positive about such a change. If necessary, the bill will be voted on on Tuesday in order to accommodate all those who have requested the floor.

On Wednesday, the conflict in the Parliament will continue, as the economic bill is introduced which includes 50% of the pre-election commitments of the New Democracy. Among other things, it foresees increases in the salaries of civil servants for the first time after 14 years. The coming week is an important “crash test” for the parliamentary groups.

First of all, for SYRIZA, which is looking for its footing in the post-Tsipras era with Sokratis Famellos at the helm of the party. For PASOK, these are the first appearances with Nikos Androulakis in the seats, while the new forces that entered the Parliament will try to show their political competence and cohesion. It is also a “test” for the operation of the Plenary with such a large number of parties. The presidency’s tolerance is expected to be limited to the “overflowing” of time by the speakers, but also to behaviors that are inconsistent with the parliamentary spirit.

The elections of June 25 brought new data to the centre-left, but also the appearance of new poles to the right of the ND. The field is considered fluid and therefore the Plenary Session is the “field” to highlight the moods, orientations, possible alliances, but also the dynamics of the parties that at this stage are trying to win the game of impressions.

Just those who stay there alone their survival is doubtful. All small and new formations in their post-political history have been short-lived and the exception to the rule is sought. The political forces are on alert anyway, as the local elections are just around the corner and the combinations should be submitted by the end of August. After the short break in August, the TIF will open the curtain on the difficult political year that is coming against the background of the European elections on the first Sunday of June 2024.