The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Diaspora Greeks, Kostas Vlasis, was interviewed on Parapolitika FM by journalist Panagiotis Tzenos.
Referring to the bill on voting rights for diaspora Greeks, the Deputy Minister stated that “the fact alone that an agreement was reached – and a broad agreement in the Hellenic Parliament – is an important achievement because it provides a solution. Certainly not the best solution, based on the government’s thinking, but it is nevertheless a step forward for diaspora Greeks.
It is a good starting point that will enable many Greeks living abroad to exercise their right to vote. Personally, I think improvements are needed in the future. Amendments are needed, and of course the political system will have to mature a little more for these to be made. But we have already seen some degree of maturity, as is evident from the large number of MPs who will vote for this bill this evening.
I think it’s a very good start and we are taking a step in that direction. We believe that, in the future, our political system will embrace this decision, and the participation of diaspora Greeks in the election process will improve Greece’s general image both at home and abroad.
The message we are sending is that Greeks must be united. We have to come together because we are a nation, wherever each of us might be, and we can achieve a great deal if we are united.”
Asked about what diaspora Greeks want from Greece, Mr. Vlasis responded that “the most important thing diaspora Greeks are asking for is to see that Greece remembers them, recognises them and appreciates them. What they are asking for is very little compared to what we are asking for, so I think that, by making the first move today – showing them that, as the Greek state and the Greek government, the political system is gaining credibility – we can show them that we mean what we say. They want to see the first step – that we will support them – and believe me, afterwards everything will start to fall into place.”
Finally, referring to the effort to repatriate Greek scientists who left during the crisis, the Deputy Minister explained that “it is a process that takes time. I think that this whole shock – in the positive sense of the word – that the government is trying to create, offering incentives for investments, offering incentives for businesses to open – because when businesses open there are opportunities, and we have to provide opportunities in this way – and with all of these investments gradually starting to unfold, they will have an incentive to return to Greece.
I am convinced that over the next two years, starting in 2020, we will see the gradual return of some of these invaluable scientists to Greece.
December 11, 2019