The Greek government has introduced a new legislative amendment requiring the Spartans political party to repay state funding allocated under questionable circumstances.
The decision comes after the Spartans failed to participate in elections despite receiving substantial financial support.
The amendment is part of a broader push to protect democratic institutions and curb financial misuse.
Submitted late Monday night, the amendment is included in a Ministry of the Interior bill that entered parliamentary discussion on Tuesday.
It establishes clear conditions for party funding, linking financial support to active participation in elections. This rectifies a 2019 legal loophole that allowed parties to receive funding even if they abstained from running, as was the case with the Spartans in the European elections.
Under the proposed law, any party failing to participate in elections must repay funds in full within one month of receiving official notice from the Ministry of the Interior.
Furthermore, parties tied to criminal activities—such as those involving the leadership or participation in a criminal organization—will have their funding suspended indefinitely.
The amendment explicitly seeks to prevent "direct or indirect support for criminal activities" using public funds, echoing the findings of a Supreme Court ruling that identified Spartans as being led de facto by the jailed Ilias Kasidiaris, a convicted former member of Golden Dawn.
Pasok has welcomed the government’s decision but criticized the delay in taking action.
Panagiotis Doudonis, a Pasok MP, described the amendment as a long-overdue response to persistent lobbying from his party.
He accused the government of failing to act promptly, allowing public funds to flow to what he described as a “front for criminal activities.”
“After over €1.7 million of taxpayers' money was lost, the government is finally taking steps to address what we have highlighted for over a year. It’s better late than never, but this delay has cost the Greek people dearly,” Mr. Doudonis said. He further condemned the funds being allocated to a party whose leadership operates under the influence of a convicted criminal, calling it a “stain on the government’s record.”
Mr. Doudonis also highlighted the need for additional measures to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents.
“This isn’t just about reclaiming the money; it’s about restoring trust in democratic processes and public funding,” he remarked.
The government has framed this amendment as part of its commitment to reinforcing democratic safeguards.
By requiring accountability for election participation and severing ties between public funds and illicit activities, officials aim to send a clear message: misuse of public resources will not be tolerated.
While the amendment addresses a critical issue, it also underscores the broader need for vigilance and timely legislative responses.
As Greece seeks to bolster trust in its democratic institutions, this case serves as a stark reminder of the cost of inaction.