Spartans Party: Rise, Crisis, and Funding Suspension

Introduction to the Spartans Political Party

The Spartans (Spartiates) political party, known in Greek as Σπαρτιάτες, has emerged as a controversial force in Greece's political landscape. Founded in 2017 by Vasilis Stigkas, the party has been classified as far-right, with notable ties to the now-dismantled neo-Nazi organization Golden Dawn. This article delves into the party's origins, its rapid rise, and the recent crises that have led to its funding suspension and dissolution of parliamentary status.

Founding and Early Years

The Spartans party was established in 2017 by Vasilis Stigkas, a figure with a background in far-right politics. The party's ideology and rhetoric have drawn significant attention, particularly due to its connections with Golden Dawn, a group that was convicted as a criminal organization in 2020. This connection has been a defining characteristic of the Spartans, influencing both its support base and its political strategies.

Ideological Foundations

The Spartans party is rooted in nationalist and far-right ideologies, advocating for policies that emphasize Greek sovereignty and traditional values. The party's platform often includes anti-immigration stances and a focus on national security, resonating with a segment of the Greek electorate that feels disenfranchised by mainstream political parties.

Connection to Golden Dawn

The party's ties to Golden Dawn have been a significant point of contention. Golden Dawn, once a prominent far-right group in Greece, was dismantled following its conviction as a criminal organization. The Spartans party has been seen by many as a successor to Golden Dawn, inheriting its support base and continuing its political legacy.

Electoral Breakthrough in 2023

The 2023 Greek legislative election marked a turning point for the Spartans party. The party secured five seats in the Greek Parliament, a significant achievement that highlighted its growing influence. This electoral success was partly attributed to the support of Ilias Kasidiaris, the jailed leader of Golden Dawn, whom Stigkas publicly thanked.

Role of Ilias Kasidiaris

Ilias Kasidiaris, a former leader of Golden Dawn, played a crucial role in the Spartans' electoral success. Despite being incarcerated, Kasidiaris's endorsement and influence were instrumental in mobilizing support for the party. This connection, however, also brought scrutiny and legal challenges, as Kasidiaris's involvement raised questions about the party's legitimacy and adherence to democratic principles.

Initial Parliamentary Presence

With five MPs in the Greek Parliament, the Spartans party gained a platform to advocate for its policies and ideologies. This parliamentary presence allowed the party to influence national discourse and policy debates, particularly on issues related to immigration, national security, and traditional values.

Internal Crisis and Expulsions

The party's success was short-lived, as an internal crisis erupted in August 2023. Vasilis Stigkas expelled three MPs who had supported Kasidiaris's candidacy for the mayoral election in Athens. Stigkas accused these MPs of being influenced by "extra-parliamentary foreign centres acting like the Greek mafia."

Reasons for Expulsions

The expulsions were driven by a power struggle within the party, with Stigkas seeking to assert his leadership and distance the party from direct associations with Kasidiaris. The expelled MPs were seen as loyalists to Kasidiaris, creating a rift that highlighted the party's internal divisions and the ongoing influence of Golden Dawn's legacy.

Impact on Parliamentary Status

The expulsions reduced the party's parliamentary representation, weakening its position and influence. This internal turmoil also drew public and media attention, further complicating the party's efforts to maintain a cohesive and effective political presence.

Legal Challenges and Funding Suspension

The Spartans party faced significant legal challenges, culminating in a funding suspension in January 2025. The Greek Parliament's Ethics Committee recommended the suspension of state funding due to the party's ties to Kasidiaris and its perceived continuation of Golden Dawn's extremist agenda.

Ethics Committee Recommendation

On 9-10 January 2025, the Ethics Committee voted overwhelmingly to recommend the suspension of funding. The committee cited the party's de facto leadership by Kasidiaris and its continuation of Golden Dawn's extremist policies as key reasons for the recommendation. This decision was supported by a majority vote in the committee, with only a few dissenting voices.

Parliamentary Vote and Suspension

The recommendation was brought to a plenary vote, where it was approved with a significant majority (267 yes, 15 no, 5 abstentions). This vote marked a crucial step in the Greek government's efforts to curb far-right extremism and ensure that political parties adhere to democratic principles and legal standards.

Conclusion of Part 1

The Spartans party's journey from its founding to its recent crises highlights the complexities and challenges of far-right politics in Greece. The party's ties to Golden Dawn, its electoral success, and the subsequent legal and internal challenges provide a compelling narrative of political struggle and ideological conflict. In the next part, we will delve deeper into the party's ideological stance, its impact on Greek politics, and the broader implications of its funding suspension.

Ideological Stance and Political Influence

The Spartans party has positioned itself as a staunch advocate for Greek nationalism and traditional values. Its ideological foundation is deeply rooted in far-right principles, which emphasize national sovereignty, strict immigration policies, and a return to what the party describes as Greece's cultural and historical heritage. This stance has resonated with a segment of the Greek population that feels marginalized by mainstream political parties.

Core Ideological Principles

The party's core principles include:

• National Sovereignty: Advocating for Greece's independence in political and economic decision-making.


• Anti-Immigration Policies: Promoting strict controls on immigration to preserve Greek cultural identity.


• Traditional Values: Emphasizing the importance of family, religion, and historical heritage.


• Law and Order: Supporting tougher penalties for crime and a stronger police presence.

Influence on Greek Politics

The Spartans party's entry into the Greek Parliament in 2023 marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape. The party's presence has forced mainstream parties to address issues related to nationalism and immigration more directly. Additionally, the party's rhetoric has influenced public discourse, bringing far-right ideologies into the forefront of political debates.

Legal and Judicial Interventions

The Spartans party has faced numerous legal challenges, primarily due to its ties to Golden Dawn and its perceived continuation of extremist ideologies. These legal interventions have been crucial in shaping the party's trajectory and influencing its political future.

Supreme Court Rulings

The Greek Supreme Court has played a pivotal role in addressing the Spartans party's legal status. Rulings have framed the party as a successor to Golden Dawn, highlighting its continuation of extremist policies. These rulings have been instrumental in justifying judicial interventions aimed at protecting democratic institutions from far-right influence.

Anti-Terrorism Laws and Funding Suspension

The suspension of state funding for the Spartans party was based on Articles 187/187A of Greece's anti-terrorism laws. These articles provide the legal framework for barring political parties led by convicted criminals from receiving state funds. The Interior Ministry provisions were invoked to ensure that the Spartans party, with its ties to Kasidiaris, would not benefit from public financing.

Public and Political Reactions

The Spartans party's rise and subsequent crises have elicited strong reactions from the public and political spheres. These reactions have been divided, with some supporting the party's nationalist agenda and others condemning its extremist ties.

Support and Opposition

The party has garnered support from individuals and groups who align with its nationalist and anti-immigration stance. This support base includes former Golden Dawn supporters and those disillusioned with mainstream politics. However, the party has also faced significant opposition from political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public who view its ideologies as a threat to democratic values.

Media Coverage and Public Debate

The media has played a crucial role in shaping public perception of the Spartans party. Extensive coverage of the party's ties to Golden Dawn, its internal crises, and the funding suspension has fueled public debate. This debate has centered on the balance between free speech and the need to curb extremist ideologies, highlighting the complexities of addressing far-right politics in a democratic society.

Impact on Future Elections

The Spartans party's current status, with its parliamentary dissolution and funding suspension, has significant implications for future elections. The party's ability to contest upcoming elections and maintain its influence will be heavily impacted by these developments.

Electoral Prospects

With its parliamentary presence reduced to two independent MPs and its state funding suspended, the Spartans party faces an uphill battle in maintaining its electoral relevance. The party's ability to organize and campaign effectively has been severely hampered, limiting its prospects in future elections.

Broader Implications for Greek Politics

The Spartans party's trajectory offers valuable insights into the broader dynamics of Greek politics. The party's rise and fall highlight the challenges of addressing far-right extremism within a democratic framework. Additionally, the legal and judicial interventions against the party set important precedents for handling similar cases in the future, ensuring that democratic institutions remain protected from extremist influence.

Conclusion of Part 2

The Spartans party's journey from its founding to its current crises underscores the complexities of far-right politics in Greece. The party's ideological stance, legal challenges, and public reactions provide a comprehensive narrative of its impact on Greek politics. In the final part of this article, we will explore the broader implications of the Spartans party's trajectory, its influence on far-right movements, and the lessons learned for democratic governance.

Broader Implications for Far-Right Movements

The Spartans party serves as a case study in the broader context of far-right movements in Europe. Its rise and subsequent challenges highlight the persistent appeal of nationalist and extremist ideologies, as well as the legal and political mechanisms employed to counter them. Understanding these implications is crucial for addressing similar movements across the continent.

Far-Right Resurgence in Europe

The Spartans party is not an isolated phenomenon. Across Europe, far-right parties have gained traction by capitalizing on issues such as immigration, national sovereignty, and economic discontent. Countries like France, Italy, and Germany have seen similar movements, each with unique characteristics but sharing a common thread of nationalist rhetoric. The Spartans' experience underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent the normalization of extremist ideologies.

Legal Frameworks and Democratic Safeguards

The legal actions taken against the Spartans party, including the funding suspension and parliamentary dissolution, demonstrate the importance of robust legal frameworks in safeguarding democracy. Greece's use of anti-terrorism laws to curb extremist influence sets a precedent for other nations grappling with similar challenges. These measures highlight the delicate balance between protecting free speech and preventing the spread of harmful ideologies.

Lessons Learned for Democratic Governance

The Spartans party's trajectory offers several key lessons for democratic governance. These lessons are particularly relevant for countries facing the rise of far-right movements and seeking to maintain the integrity of their political systems.

Importance of Judicial Oversight

One of the most critical lessons is the role of judicial oversight in addressing extremist political parties. The Greek Supreme Court's interventions in the Spartans case illustrate how judicial bodies can act as a check on political movements that threaten democratic values. This oversight is essential for ensuring that political parties operate within the bounds of the law and do not undermine the principles of democracy.

Transparency and Accountability

The Spartans party's internal crises and legal challenges underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in political organizations. The party's ties to Golden Dawn and its lack of transparency regarding leadership and funding sources contributed to its downfall. Political parties must be held accountable for their actions and associations, particularly when these pose a threat to democratic institutions.

Public Awareness and Civic Engagement

The Spartans party's rise and fall also highlight the crucial role of public awareness and civic engagement in countering extremist ideologies. Informed and engaged citizens are essential for maintaining a healthy democracy and preventing the spread of harmful political movements.

Role of Media and Education

The media plays a vital role in shaping public perception and fostering informed debate. In the case of the Spartans party, extensive media coverage brought attention to the party's extremist ties and legal challenges, influencing public opinion and political outcomes. Additionally, education is a powerful tool for promoting critical thinking and resilience against extremist rhetoric. By fostering a well-informed citizenry, societies can better resist the appeal of far-right ideologies.

Civil Society and Grassroots Movements

Civil society organizations and grassroots movements have been instrumental in countering the influence of far-right parties. These groups provide alternative narratives, promote inclusive values, and mobilize public opposition to extremist ideologies. The Spartans party's experience underscores the importance of a vibrant civil society in safeguarding democratic principles and fostering social cohesion.

Future Outlook for the Spartans Party

The future of the Spartans party remains uncertain. With its parliamentary status dissolved and state funding suspended, the party faces significant challenges in maintaining its relevance and influence. However, the underlying issues that fueled its rise—such as economic discontent, immigration concerns, and nationalist sentiments—persist, leaving the door open for potential resurgence or the emergence of similar movements.

Potential Scenarios

Several scenarios could unfold for the Spartans party in the coming years:

• Reorganization and Rebranding: The party may attempt to reorganize and rebrand itself to distance from its extremist ties and regain public support.


• Fragmentation and Decline: Internal divisions and legal challenges could lead to further fragmentation, resulting in the party's decline and eventual dissolution.


• Emergence of New Movements: The void left by the Spartans party could be filled by new far-right movements, capitalizing on the same issues and sentiments that propelled the Spartans to prominence.

Long-Term Impact on Greek Politics

Regardless of the Spartans party's future, its impact on Greek politics will be long-lasting. The party's rise has brought far-right ideologies into the mainstream political discourse, forcing other parties to address these issues more directly. Additionally, the legal and judicial interventions against the party have set important precedents for handling extremist movements, shaping the future of Greek democracy.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

The story of the Spartans party is a complex narrative of political rise, internal strife, and legal challenges. From its founding in 2017 to its electoral breakthrough in 2023 and subsequent crises, the party's journey offers valuable insights into the dynamics of far-right politics in Greece and beyond. Here are the key takeaways:

• Far-Right Resilience: The Spartans party's initial success highlights the persistent appeal of nationalist and extremist ideologies, particularly in times of economic and social uncertainty.


• Legal and Judicial Interventions: The use of anti-terrorism laws and judicial oversight demonstrates the importance of robust legal frameworks in safeguarding democracy from extremist influence.


• Public Awareness and Civic Engagement: Informed citizens and a vibrant civil society are essential for countering the spread of harmful political movements and promoting inclusive values.


• Transparency and Accountability: Political parties must be held accountable for their actions and associations, particularly when these pose a threat to democratic institutions.

As Greece and other European nations continue to grapple with the rise of far-right movements, the lessons learned from the Spartans party's trajectory will be invaluable. The party's story serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by democratic societies and the importance of vigilance, transparency, and civic engagement in preserving the principles of democracy. The future of the Spartans party may be uncertain, but its impact on Greek politics and the broader fight against extremism will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.

In conclusion, the Spartans party's journey from its founding to its current crises underscores the complexities of addressing far-right extremism within a democratic framework. By understanding the party's ideological stance, legal challenges, and public reactions, we gain a comprehensive narrative of its impact on Greek politics. The broader implications for far-right movements, democratic governance, and civic engagement highlight the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard the principles of democracy and ensure a more inclusive and resilient political future.