The results of voter participation rates in Sunday’s EU Elections are in and they are dismal- with Greece fulfilling political analysts’ fears and predictions as it posted a new record for voter abstention.
According to Greek media website in.gr, 58.61% of voters in the country turned their backs on the polls, which is significantly higher than the 41.3% abstention rate in 2019, 40.67% in 2014, and the last record high of 47.5% in 2009.
In other words, 9,814,685 people were registered to vote and only 4,062,092 participated.
Taking a look at the various regions of Greece regarding participation in EU Elections, shocking abstention rates between 60-70% were seen, particularly in rural areas and islands.
In detail, notably high abstention rates were seen in the following regions: Florina (73.37%), Cephalonia (70.78%), Laconia (69.69 %), Dodecanese islands (67.45%), Arcadia (65.57%), Lesvos (65.52%), Evrytania (65.18%), Corfu (65.40%), Zakynthos (64.59%), Drama (64.48%), Xanthi (64.40%), Rodopi (64.34%) and Serres (64.33%).
In his statements from the party offices in Athens, Greek Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned that Greece had also been affected by the rise of “extreme right” parties (three populist parties saw gains in their support). Mitsotakis added that citizens who had voted for the party in the 2023 national elections opted to abstain as they considered the European Elections (EU) elections less urgent.
“Despite my own efforts, there was a lack of substantial reflection on Europe and the future we want,” the PM underlined adding that he did hear the voice of the voters and mandate: “We trust you, but try harder and that’s what we will do to move faster towards Europe.”
