Changes to the Electoral System and Defense at the Forefront: Mitsotakis’ Moves with an Eye on 2027

In a period of intense social pressure and political uncertainty, Kyriakos Mitsotakis has chosen to open three critical fronts simultaneously: electoral reform, diaspora representation, and national defense. His announcements during the weekly briefing were not just technical adjustments but clear political interventions with strategic depth.

The restoration of the 12 seats for the At-Large district, the retention of the 3% threshold, and the creation of a special three-member constituency for the Greek diaspora form a package that redefines balances without changing the fundamental rules of the game.

Electoral Law: Stability without Risk

The return to 12 seats for the At-Large district, as it was from 1974 to 2019, is interpreted behind the scenes as a move toward institutional normalization, as well as a silent message to the opposition: it does not open a window for smaller parties nor does it alter the electoral balance.

A key point is that the 3% threshold remains unchanged despite pressure and debates around “pluralism.” Government sources emphasize that this decision aims to maintain governability in an increasingly fragmented political landscape.

Diaspora: Voting with Identity and Political Impact

The creation of the special three-member constituency for the Greek diaspora represents the most significant change. For the first time, Greeks living abroad will not simply vote for a party, but for a specific representative, thus establishing a new institution of political representation.

At the political level, this move is linked to:

• the brain regain strategy,
• strengthening ties with an electorate considered more pro-European and institutionally oriented,
• and the government’s attempt to expand its political outreach beyond Greece’s borders.

The fact that a 200-vote majority is required places pressure on the opposition, which will have to choose between consensus or political isolation.

Defense and Industry: A Message of Strength to Brussels and the Domestic Front

At the same time, the approval by the European Commission of the national defense plan SAFE, worth €788 million, places Greece at the core of European defense integration. The six programs — focused on drones, unmanned systems, and secure communications — carry not only military but also geopolitical significance.

The EAS–CSG consortium and the €50 million investment in Lavrio signal, according to government sources, the restart of Greece’s defense industry, including:

• Increasing the workforce from 120 to 300 employees,
• Transferring technology from the second-largest ammunition producer in the EU,
• And ensuring zero fiscal burden.

Social Shadow and Political Defense

The Prime Minister also addressed the heavy social climate following recent workplace accidents, firmly rejecting the image of a “dystopian Greece.” He cited European data that ranks the country among the three with the fewest workplace accidents, although he chose not to refer to absolute numbers.

In the political backstage, this reference is interpreted as an effort to regain institutional credibility, in the face of an opposition that is strategically investing in issues related to institutions and safety.

Mitsotakis’ announcements are not just a weekly summary, but a cohesive political signal: stable electoral framework, controlled institutional changes, and defense and investments as pillars of security.

In a political system where the opposition remains fragmented and social dissatisfaction is high, the government is trying to present itself as the sole pillar of institutional continuity, gaining time and initiative with its focus on 2027.

Source: pagenews.gr