Political party

An entire era of Greek politics is coming to an end. How do we know? By who is leaving the scene and who is joining it. Just think for a minute how many heirs of major political families have either abandoned politics, been deserted by their voters or find themselves in a very difficult position. In years past, apart from a steady "clientele," they also enjoyed a sort of permanency.

The need to modernize the country's defense industry has become absolutely vital, and the draft law containing the changes that need to be made as a matter of priority should not be allowed to become just another area where the different political parties flex their muscles. 

The debate on the postal vote for Greeks living abroad was an undertaking that embarrassed the political system, which, in the previous parliamentary period, could not agree on the obvious solution.

Everything suggests, unfortunately, that we are about to fall into the same political trap. The leaderships of Greece's parties are showing that they have already fallen into it by stubbornly refusing to learn from the many serious - especially in recent years - and painful mistakes of the past.

The parties that win the largest proportion of the vote will get substantially more in state funding than so far, while the smallest ones stand to lose the most under changed rules to party financing passed by the National Assembly on 6 July.

The three parties of the ruling coalition have joined forces with New Slovenia (NSi), an opposition party, to change the rules governing state financing of political parties so that larger parties would get more money.

The national election on May 21 showed that Greek public opinion has begun to vote based on political parties' programs and positions. Not based on slogans and generalities.

The people now act as "consumers," not blind followers. The parties in power will have to adapt to this new reality if they want to continue to be seen as contenders for power.

Moldovans abroad played a big role last year in electing the country's first female president. Can they do the same for the PAS party in Sunday's parliamentary election and secure the country's pro-European course?

By Christophoros Vernardakis *

The debate over parties and party systems emerges from time to time in critical political theory circles but also in broader public discussion.

That is because parties, the fundamental institutional form of political representation of social classes and groups, are in deep crisis.

The Turkish government is planning to discuss some "essential changes" in the country's electoral law with all political parties, Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gül said on June 15.

Speaking in an interview with state-run Anadolu Agency, Gül said that the government is approaching all issues by thinking how the matter will affect democracy, the rule of law and the nation's common will.