Political party leader drafted into military
In Greece, Stefanos Kasselakis, leader of the main opposition party, the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), has reported for his mandatory military service.
AA
SYRIZA leader Kasselakis traveled to the Thiva region, where he will serve, to fulfill his mandatory military service in Greece.
Meeting with the public in Thiva, Kasselakis said, "It is an honor for me to be here, to serve my homeland, the country I love, as a member of the diaspora who has returned to his home country."
Kasselakis bid farewell to those who came to see him off and reported to his unit, where he will serve for 20 days.
MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE IS 12 MONTHS
In Greece, the mandatory military service period is 12 months, excluding special circumstances. This period is 6 months for those who reside permanently abroad.
As a member of the diaspora who has turned 35, Kasselakis has the right to complete the remainder of the 6-month period through a paid exemption, provided he serves 20 days in the armed forces.
Kasselakis, who won the SYRIZA presidential elections on September 24, 2023, became the new leader of SYRIZA and the main opposition, but the reactions against him led to departures from the party.