A recent poll broadcast on Thursday evening, 4 July, by Greek Mega TV reveals a serious crisis in Greece's political system.
The poll shows that the record-high abstention rate in the recent EU elections was a deliberate choice by many Greek citizens.
Record Abstention Rates
In the EU elections, 59.5% of Greek voters chose not to vote.
According to Euractiv, this is much higher than the 41.3% and 40.67% abstention rates in the 2019 and 2014 elections, respectively.
The poll found that 42% of people did not vote to protest the political system, while 47% were simply indifferent.
Dissatisfaction with Major Parties
The poll also shows that many Greeks are unhappy with the main political parties. Nearly 70% of respondents rated the centre-right New Democracy government negatively, and 80% disapproved of the main opposition Syriza party.
A recent incident involving former centre-right minister Lefteris Avgenakis attacking an airport worker, which led to his expulsion, has further damaged the reputation of Greek politicians.
Leadership Views
Despite the widespread discontent, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is still seen as the most suitable politician to lead the country, scoring 33% in the poll.
But almost the same number of people preferred "no one" as a leader.
The ruling centre-right New Democracy party continues to lose support but remains ahead of the opposition. New Democracy scored 30.4%, followed by Syriza with 13.8%, and the socialist Pasok with 12.9%.
Calls for a United Front
There is ongoing discussion in Athens among several progressive left-wing parties to unite and challenge the conservative government.
Former Syriza leader and prime minister Alexis Tsipras has been increasingly vocal about forming a united front against the conservatives.
But long-standing disputes among the progressive parties have left the question of who would lead such a coalition unanswered.
