Greek Solution, or Ελληνική Λύση, is a Greek political party formed in 2016 by former Member of Parliament (MP) Kyriakos Velopoulos. Since then, the party has risen to third place in the most recent polls, gaining notoriety and more than doubling its appeal since the 2023 parliamentary elections.

However, Greek-Americans seem relatively unfamiliar with the party and its particular positions. The party has a traditionalist, populist, and patriotic character. Here are a few key points that distinguish them from others in the Hellenic political arena, as reported by a Greek-American member of their youth wing.

1. Controlling immigration

Greek Solution has a zero-tolerance policy on continued illegal immigration and has campaigned on deportations for criminals entering illegally. The party has also suggested restricting foreign NGOs that circumvent Greek immigration law. Since 2019, they have campaigned on establishing a physical barrier spanning the length of the Evros border region with Turkey, a common entry point for thousands of illegal migrants.

2. “Making Greece Great Again”

Elliniki Lysi seeks to invest in the primary sector of the Greek economy, with a special focus on harnessing the country’s natural resources. Additionally, they strongly oppose the Prespa agreement regarding Skopje/FYROM. The agreement was widely disputed by Greeks across the political spectrum upon its signing in 2018, with many maintaining the agreement insulted and minimized the Greek heritage of Macedonia. Elliniki Lysi contends that by officially renaming Skopje as “North Macedonia,” the Greek government betrayed the national consciousness of Greeks globally. If in power, Elliniki Lysi vows to abandon the agreement and revert back to the original name.

Notably, Elliniki Lysi is the only party in Greece to explicitly address the ongoing immigration crisis, supporting policies such as tax incentives for large Greek families and better economic opportunities for local-born citizens, as well as making a push to bring back Greeks who left the country in recent years due to the economic crisis. Elliniki Lysi also proposes to create more jobs by lowering taxes on small businesses and seeks to cut the red bureaucratic tape that prevents businesses from growing.

3. Euroscepticism

In line with the Eurosceptic sentiment prevalent among Greece’s right-wing, Elliniki Lysi strongly criticizes Greece’s membership in the European Union and its involvement in NATO. The party contends that alienating Russia is a mistake and that Greece ought to remain supportive of its 200-year-long cooperation with the Eastern power. Elliniki Lysi also supports stronger relationships with growing world economies such as India and China, while simultaneously being critical of increased military reliance on the United States. Velopoulos advocates for the strengthening of Greece’s military capabilities, as evidenced by his support of the motion to increase arms dealings with France, worth approximately €3 billion.

4. Social and Political Revanchism

The party is deeply rooted in traditional values centered around faith, fatherland, and family, with many of their policies shaped by this ideological foundation. In the past, Elliniki Lysi has called for a tough stance on crime, proposing the death penalty for pedophiles and murderers, along with life imprisonment for drug traffickers. The party has also advocated for a ban on pride parades, the repeal of same-sex marriage legalization, the suspension of adoption rights for same-sex couples, and a stronger role for the church in public life.

Elliniki Lysi is generally driven by a policy of “revanchism,” or the desire to resurrect Greece from its economic, social, and political pitfalls. They believe the Greek nation has been exploited by its so-called allies – especially over the last two decades – and envisions a systemic strengthening of both the Greek state and its people to reclaim national dignity and prosperity.

Today, Elliniki Lysi stands as a major player on Greece’s right wing. Regardless of one’s individual opinions about the party, their significant rise in popularity since May 2023 suggests a strong potential for future electoral success.