"At the beginning of this parliamentary term, we have a historic responsibility to actively open our arms to all Diaspora Greeks," emphasized Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Kotsiras, addressing the plenary session of the Parliament on Monday night, July 24, 2023, during the debate on the Ministry of Interior’s draft law: "Lifting restrictions on registration in the special electoral rolls of voters living abroad".
Mr. Kotsiras described this bill, the first of the Mitsotakis Government, as an "actually progressive, socially just and essentially national" intervention and urged the parliamentary parties to demonstrate a sense of responsibility by voting in favour of it, thus sending an important message of "symbolism and substance".
Diaspora Greeks "constitute a top national capital for our country," the Deputy Minister emphasized in his speech, as they "act as ambassadors of our national positions" and constitute "the stable base on which the existing relationship of friendship and mutual understanding between Greece and their host countries is built". Mr. Kotsiras stated that the support of the Greek Diaspora is significant and referred to state initiatives and especially those of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen bonds of the Diaspora Greeks with our country, placing particular emphasis on the use of up-to-date, digital tools for serving Greeks abroad, the two-way communication with the Diaspora and the promotion of the Greek language.
In conclusion, the Deputy Minister underscored that facilitating Greeks living abroad to exercise their electoral right is a historic opportunity and a minimum obligation towards them, and he reiterated the need for a constant strengthening of ties with the Diaspora.
July 24, 2023