The debate on marriage equality in Greece took an unexpected turn after the European elections, revealing a rift within the ruling party. While some officials felt the party had “lost its soul” by supporting the law, others saw it as a necessary step towards progress.
Recent polls show a split in public opinion, with 57.8% in favor of the bill and 39.8% against. However, the bill’s impact on the European election results remains unclear, with voter defections to both left and right-wing parties.
Analysts suggest that the issue of marriage equality may have acted as a catalyst for pre-existing dissatisfaction within the electorate, rather than a decisive factor in the election outcome. The perception of a shift to the right within the ruling party has led to internal restructuring and strategic changes.
The Aftermath and Lessons Learned
The passage of the legislation has left a lasting imprint on Greek society, with 75 same-sex marriages recorded nationwide. While some see this as a positive step towards equality, others view it as a political cost that the party may need to navigate in the future.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the issue of marriage equality will shape Greek politics in the years to come.