Spiros Richard Hagabimana, a former policeman from Burundi, is aiming to make history by becoming Greece’s first black Member of Parliament.
In a country where migrants rarely hold public offices, Hagabimana is running as a candidate in the southeastern Piraeus II electoral district, representing the conservative New Democracy party, in the upcoming election on May 21.
Hagabimana, now 54 years old, has a strong connection to the Piraeus area, which is reflected in his campaign posters on Twitter. Having studied, worked, and lived in Piraeus, he expresses his love for Greece through his association with the region.
In 2015, Hagabimana faced imprisonment in Burundi for refusing to open fire on anti-government protesters during his time as a police officer. With the assistance of Greek authorities, he was released and returned to Athens in 2016.
Hagabimana’s journey in Greece began in 1991 when he arrived on a scholarship to study at the Naval Academy. However, due to the political instability in Burundi, he sought asylum in Greece and was granted Greek citizenship in 2005. In that same year, he traveled back to Burundi to participate in peacekeeping efforts with the United Nations.
As he campaigns for political office, Hagabimana emphasizes that the focus should not be on the color of his skin but rather on the ideas and policies he brings to the table.
