Greece Moves to Let Diaspora Voters Elect Their Own MPs
- Jan 27
- 1 min read
The Greek government is preparing a major overhaul of how citizens abroad are represented in parliament, with plans to allow overseas voters to directly elect members of the legislature for the first time.
Under the proposal, Greeks living outside the country would form a dedicated electoral district empowered to choose three members of parliament. This would replace the current arrangement in which diaspora representation is tied to nationwide party lists. To keep parliament at its fixed size of 300 seats, the number of state ballot seats would be reduced accordingly.
The reform is part of a wider package aimed at expanding participation by Greeks abroad. It includes extending postal voting to national elections, building on its earlier application during European Parliament polls. Officials say the changes are designed to simplify voting and give expatriates a clearer voice in national decision-making.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has linked the initiative to broader efforts to strengthen ties between Greece and its global diaspora. He argues that a unified overseas ballot would boost turnout and ensure equal political rights for voters abroad, in line with constitutional principles.
According to the Interior Ministry, the plan would create a single global constituency, allowing diaspora voters to select both a political party and a specific candidate, regardless of where that candidate resides.
The bill is expected to be tabled before Easter and would need backing from at least 200 lawmakers to take effect in the next general election, scheduled for 2027.
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