The Appointment of Makis Voridis: A Disturbing Shift in Greece's Migration Policy
The appointment of Makis Voridis as Greece’s Minister of Asylum and Immigration last week has sparked intense debate and concern. Known for his far-right affiliations, Voridis’ past is characterised by connections to extremist ideologies. His presence at the helm of migration policy sends a clear message about the government’s priorities: a harsher stance on immigration, a push towards stricter deportation measures, and an ideological shift that normalises far-right rhetoric.
A Controversial Appointment
Voridis’ background is deeply problematic. His past involvement with neo-fascist groups and his well-documented racist statements make him an alarming choice for overseeing migration. His appointment is not a political oversight; rather, it is a deliberate move that aligns with the government’s agenda. By placing someone with such a history in charge of migration, the ruling party signals a shift towards a more exclusionary, nationalist approach to governance.
The Political Context: Why Now?
This decision comes at a crucial time for Greece. The country has been rocked by protests against government policies, particularly following the Tempi train disaster. As public discontent grows, the ruling Nea Demokratia party seems to be losing favor among centrist voters. To compensate, they appear to be courting the far-right, capitalising on nationalist sentiments to maintain political dominance. Voridis, with his extreme views, serves as a bridge to these voters, reassuring them that the government is committed to restricting migration.
A New Narrative: The Dehumanisation of Migrants
One of the most concerning aspects of Voridis’ leadership is his use of language. He has used terms like “lathrometanástis,” a derogatory and dehumanising word for migrants, which implies illegality and criminality. Unlike neutral terms such as “undocumented migrant,” this label fuels xenophobia and justifies harsh policies. His rhetoric mirrors that of far-right extremists, normalising their discourse in mainstream politics.
What to Expect: Policy Shifts and Their Consequences
Voridis has already outlined his key priorities:
Stricter deportation policies: His goal is to ensure that undocumented migrants are removed more aggressively, even though past attempts at mass deportations have proven costly and ineffective.
Increased border security: We can expect more surveillance, additional policing in camps, and harsher treatment of asylum seekers.
Control over legal migration: While appearing to crack down on illegal immigration, the government is likely to introduce selective legalisation for economic purposes, allowing migrants to stay only under exploitative labor conditions.
A push for assimilation: Voridis insists that migrants must conform to Greek cultural norms, a thinly veiled attempt to restrict religious and cultural diversity.
The Bigger Picture: Racism or Political Strategy?
It would be simplistic to see this shift as purely racist. While there is undeniable institutional racism at play, this is also a calculated political strategy. Nea Demokratia understands the economic necessity of migrant labor and has, in the past, quietly legalised undocumented workers. However, their public stance remains one of hostility, reinforcing nationalist fears while securing cheap labor behind the scenes. This dual approach - publicly condemning migration while exploiting it economically - is reminiscent of historical labor exploitation models, drawing disturbing parallels to past systems of racial hierarchy and control.
What Can Be Done?
The appointment of Voridis is a wake-up call for human rights organisations, grassroots movements, and civil society. There must be a strong response:
Protests and advocacy: Public demonstrations and international pressure can challenge this dangerous shift. Strikes from public sector workers, civil servants working in the Ministry of Asylum and Migration, would be especially impactful.
Legal action: Human rights organisations should closely monitor policy changes and intervene when violations occur.
Community support: Local groups must continue to provide resources and solidarity to migrants, countering government hostility with grassroots action.
Voridis’ appointment is not just a bureaucratic decision - it is a signal of where Greece is headed. If left unchallenged, it could mark a dangerous normalisation of far-right ideology in government. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this shift can be resisted or if Greece will continue down an increasingly exclusionary path.
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Written by Lara Stauss and Orsalia Papadimitriou
