THREAD: greece parliament

GREECE on the BRINK: Orthodox Nation Set to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage Despite Church Opposition

15 February 2024 — In a historic move, Greece’s parliament is on the verge of voting in favor of legalizing same-sex civil marriage. This would be an unprecedented step for an Orthodox Christian nation, and it comes amidst strong opposition from the influential Greek Church.

The bill was drafted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ center-right government and has garnered support from four left-wing parties, including main opposition Syriza. The backing from these parties secures 243 votes in the 300-seat parliament, virtually guaranteeing its passage despite expected abstentions and opposition votes.

State Minister Akis Skertsos highlighted that most Greeks already accept same-sex marriages. He asserted that societal change has outpaced legislative action and does not require parliamentary approval to validate it.

Turkish MP COLLAPSES Amid Fiery Denouncement of Israel’s Actions Against Hamas

12 December 2023 — In a dramatic turn of events, Bitmez, the Deputy Chief of Turkey’s Saadet Party, collapsed during a budgetary debate in the Grand Assembly of the Turkish parliament. His collapse followed an impassioned criticism of Israel’s military response to Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Bitmez accused Israelis of committing “crimes against humanity” and “ethnic cleansing.” His final words before collapsing were reportedly, “Israel will not escape the wrath of Allah!”

Bitmez, aged 54 and a diabetic patient, was immediately rushed to Ankara’s Bilkent City Hospital. He was reported to be in critical condition following his sudden collapse.

The Saadet or “Felicity” Party that Bitmez is affiliated with is known for its Islamist ideology. It’s considered more hardline than President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development (AKP) party. This incident comes at a time when relations between Turkey and Israel are tense due to Israel’s counter-terrorist operation in Gaza initiated after an attack by Hamas on October 7.

Erdogan has openly criticized Israel’s military actions while hailing Hamas

ACROPOLIS MUSEUM Showcases British Museum’s Prized Greek Jug Amidst Heated Parthenon Marbles Dispute

05 December 2023 — The Acropolis Museum in Greece recently showcased a renowned ancient Greek water jug, known as the Meidias Hydria. This artifact, on loan from the British Museum, has become a focal point amidst an escalating dispute over Greece’s demand for the return of Parthenon temple sculptures currently housed in the British Museum.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently stirred controversy by cancelling a meeting with his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Sunak accused Mitsotakis of trying to “grandstand” by publicly demanding the return of the Parthenon Marbles during his visit to Britain. The UK government remains firm on its stance, with no plans to revisit this issue or change legislation blocking their repatriation.

Despite this roadblock, Mitsotakis maintains that international attention drawn by Sunak’s cancellation has strengthened their campaign for the marbles’ return. Nikolaos Stampolidis, director of The Acropolis Museum, remains hopeful about maintaining 'excellent relations’ with the British Museum and is confident about eventual repatriation of these artifacts.

The Meidias Hydria was discovered in southern Italy and is considered a masterpiece created by Athenian potter Meidias. It was added to the British Museum collection 250 years ago and this

UK Gives Greece the COLD SHOULDER Over Ancient Sculptures Dispute

29 November 2023 — Britain and Greece have been at odds for years over where some of the finest ancient Greek sculptures should reside. These masterpieces have been showcased in London for more than two centuries. The disagreement reached a new peak when UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unexpectedly called off a meeting with his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

This abrupt cancellation came after Mitsotakis used British television to reiterate his demand for the return of these 2,500-year-old works of art. The sculptures in question were crafted between 447-432 B.C., serving as decorations for the renowned Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, Athens’ protective deity.

Although these pieces endured through wars, earthquakes, invasions and religious shifts in the temple over thousands of years, many were lost when Venetians besieged and destroyed the Parthenon in 1687.

The dispute over this cultural heritage is one of the most challenging unresolved issues globally. As diplomatic efforts falter and tensions rise between Britain and Greece, it’s unclear what measures will be taken next in this ongoing struggle over historical artifacts.

UK Parliament SHUNS Cease-Fire Call Amid Israel-Hamas CONFLICT: A Blow to Labour Party Unity

16 November 2023 — The UK House of Commons has recently dismissed a proposed amendment that urged the government to demand a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Scottish National Party presented this amendment, but it was turned down by 290 Parliament members, while only 183 voted in favor.

This decision is perceived as a significant blow to Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party. Despite his efforts to display unity within his party ahead of next year’s national election, fifty-six members from his own party backed the amendment.

Following this setback, Starmer expressed disappointment over his colleagues’ lack of support for his stance. He said, “I wanted my position on this matter to be clear and consistent,” after the vote.