Three Spartans lawmakers removed as Greek court rules election fraud

Three Spartans lawmakers removed as Greek court rules election fraud
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A Greek court has removed three MPs from the far-right Spartans party, including its leader, ruling they gained their seats through electoral fraud, The Guardian reported. The tribunal found that voters were misled during the 2023 elections, as the true leader behind the party was Ilias Kasidiaris—a jailed neo-Nazi and former head of the banned Golden Dawn—despite Vasilis Stigkas being listed as the official leader.

Greek law bars parties from running in elections if their actual leaders are convicted of serious crimes. The ruling marks the first time since the end of military rule that the Greek parliament will operate with 297 MPs instead of 300. Kasidiaris, serving a 13.5-year sentence for leading a criminal organisation, had backed the Spartans from prison after his party was banned. Despite his imprisonment, he continues to exert influence online, especially among younger supporters.

Analysts say the decision significantly weakens the Spartans but is unlikely to diminish far-right momentum in Greece. Political expert Lamprini Rori noted that multiple far-right factions are now represented in parliament for the first time, reflecting growing support. Many Spartans voters were former Golden Dawn supporters, indicating continued far-right appeal despite the legal setback.