New Democracy

The government welcomed the passage of the bill on same-sex marriage on Thursday with feelings of relief and satisfaction and wants to put the controversy it created behind it. The satisfaction may come from the fact that finally two thirds of ruling New Democracy's parliamentary group voted in favor, something that seemed out of the question some two months ago.

Establishing equal rights in political marriage is an important step in our politics and social progress. The passing of the change to Civil Law shows that daring, sensitivity and persistence can overcome problems that until today were considered taboo.

In a historic move, Greece has passed a landmark bill legalizing same-sex marriage, marking a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. With a decisive vote of 176 members in favor out of the 300-seat parliament, the legislation to recognize gay families has been approved, Reuters reports.

Greece's 300-member Parliament approved the bill granting same-sex couples equal rights in marriage in a roll call vote on Thursday night. The reform extends full parental rights to gay couples but will not allow for medically assisted reproduction through a surrogate.

The bill was voted on by 254 lawmakers, with 176 voting in favor and 76 against.

Parliament is poised to vote the same-sex marriage bill, with the help of three center-left and left-wing opposition parties.

Passage of the bill will bestow full parental rights upon same-sex couples, although it would not allow male partners to have children born in Greece through surrogacy.

Former New Democracy prime minister Antonis Samaras vehemently criticized the government's proposed legislation on same-sex couples during a speech preceding Thursday's cross-party vote on the bill. Samaras argued that the bill would significantly alter family law and declared his intention to vote against what he termed a "dangerous draft law." 

The Parliament will vote on the same-sex marriage bill on Thursday night, with ruling New Democracy, main opposition SYRIZA and PASOK, Course of Freedom and New Left having stated that they will back it.

Four months ahead of the elections for the European Parliament, the government is faced with a wave of protests that sometimes turn violent over a number of issues, such as education reforms, farming and the same-sex marriage legislation.

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias is considered the most successful government minister (32%), according to the second part of a poll conducted by Alco on behalf of Alpha TV.

He is followed by the ministers of education, Kyriakos Pierrakakis (12%), citizen protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis (10%), health, Adonis Georgiades (8%), and finance, Kostis Hatzidakis (4%).

The government intends to create some 200,000 jobs across the economy during its four-year mandate, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Friday.

The Greek premier took part in a dialogue at a gathering co-hosted by New Democracy and the European People's Party under the theme "The Road to Recovery" in Athens.