Mitsotakis unveils historic reform to grant diaspora seats and mail vote

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis presented the draft bill to his cabinet, framing it as a necessary step to grant "full equality" to overseas citizens by removing logistical barriers.

If approved by a supermajority of 200 lawmakers, the reforms will take effect for the next national elections, expected in 2027.

"This is yet another important link that unites the motherland with the millions of Greeks abroad," Mr. Mitsotakis said.

The proposal addresses long-standing grievances from expatriates who previously had to travel to consulates to vote in person.

While mail-in voting was successfully tested during the 2024 European Parliament elections, this bill extends the practice to national polls. Crucially, it replaces the current system of appointing overseas representatives via party lists with a new model: three lawmakers elected directly from a worldwide constituency.

To maintain the parliament's 300-seat limit, the number of deputies elected from the state party list would decrease from 15 to 12.

The shift allows candidates from major diaspora hubs like the United States and Australia to compete specifically for these seats, rather than relying on party rankings.

However, the government faces a high legislative hurdle.

With Mr. Mitsotakis’ New Democracy party holding 156 seats, significant opposition support is required to reach the 200-vote threshold needed for immediate implementation. Without cross-party backing, the law would be delayed until the subsequent election cycle.