Government puts off granting right to vote to Greeks overseas

The government on Friday effectively rejected a proposal by conservative New Democracy to amend voting laws so that Greeks living overseas can participate in general elections. 

Interior Minister Panos Skourletis submitted an amendment to Parliament calling for a committee to be formed that is to examine the issue within the next six months. 

Speaking on behalf of ND, which has twice submitted proposals for legislation to allow diaspora Greeks to vote in national elections, conservative lawmaker Makis Voridis accused the government of procrastination and said it should make a decision and settle the issue. 

"Greeks abroad, both those who left a while ago and those who left the country more recently, are anticipating [the measure]," he said.

"We do not accept piecemeal reforms. Have the courage to make it happen. It's the mature thing to do and you will find...