Greece: Political Developments and Data in 2024

Abstract The year was marked by the European Parliament elections in June, where turnout was at its lowest and New Democracy (Nea Dimokratia/ND) dominated, albeit with a reduced vote share, compared to the last elections. These elections were followed by important political developments. A Cabinet reshuffle was announced days later, and both the Panhellenic Socialist Movement-Movement for Change (Panellinio Sosialistiko Kinima-Kinima Allagis/PASOK-KINAL) and the Coalition of the Radical Left (Synaspismos tis Rizospastikis Aristeras/SYRIZA) held internal elections for leadership. The incumbent president of PASOK-KINAL was re-elected in October. The ousting of SYRIZA's president by the party's top organ in early November prompted the exit of five SYRIZA MPs and, consequently, resulted in PASOK-KINAL assuming the role of the main opposition party. SYRIZA elected a new party president in late November. Adding to this turn of events was the unprecedented expulsion of a former Prime Minister, Antonis Samaras, from his own party, ND. Inflation remained a top concern for citizens. Greece became the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage. The investigation into the Tempi train crash continued to fuel protests and allegations of a government cover-up. Wildfires once again ravaged various parts of the country. The devastating consequences of domestic violence persisted, with 16 femicides recorded in total.