Athens, Greece – The Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) in Greece has called for legislative measures to block a former member of the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party, who is currently incarcerated, from running for the position of Athens mayor.
Panagiotis Dudonis, a PASOK lawmaker, emphasized that individuals with criminal convictions should not be entrusted with political authority within the nation’s framework.
This demand comes in response to the candidacy of Ilias Kasidiaris, a previously convicted ex-affiliate of the Golden Dawn, for the mayoral role in Athens.
PASOK has been a consistent advocate against neo-Nazi criminal activities and plans to initiate legal action to restrict the participation of groups led by convicted offenders in local elections.
In the previous June elections, the Greek Supreme Court prohibited the far-right National Party-Greeks, founded by Kasidiaris, from participating. An unexpected 4.64% of total votes went to the Spartans party, supported by Kasidiaris in the elections.
Vassilis Stingas, the leader of the Spartans party, acknowledged Kasidiaris for his backing following the election.
Kasidiaris, along with other Golden Dawn lawmakers, was arrested in 2013 on charges of belonging to a criminal organization. In 2020, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison for his involvement in the banned party.
