Government to let MPs stand in Euro polls, except ND

The government is to lift restrictions on MPs standing as candidates in the European Parliament elections though MPs of co-ruling New Democracy will have to quit their seats before running as MEPs, Interior Minister Yiannis Michelakis said on Monday.

Speaking to Vima FM Michelakis said the exemption of ND was “an internal procedure of ND and a decision by the president,” referring to Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. Sources suggested Samaras is reluctant to field mass requests by MPs.

Michelakis said the government would soon present its plans for the voting method for European elections in May.

The government is opting for preferential voting rather than a closed list.