The desperate attempt of yet another minister in the Greek government to take credit for and benefit from expatriates being able to access the electronic services of the registries of the Greek state at Greek consulates has provoked concern but mainly laughter.

For the actual facts regarding these matters, see the Thursday, January 13 edition of the Greek language National Herald for a detailed article.

This is obviously how various politicians perceive and practice politics, and in this way seek to elevate themselves as they pursue higher office.

At the end of the day, however, it does not matter who ‘fathered’ this idea. The crux of the initiative lies elsewhere – in its implementation.

We are nevertheless pleased that politicians are so anxious about this idea’s paternity. It makes us happy because it proves that the Greek Diaspora is in the process of being upgraded, and that it actually counts in the eyes of Greek politicians.

It is being upgraded because Hellenes Abroad finally have the vote, even if it is in a stunted form, despite the efforts of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to grant to the Expatriates exactly the same rights as their fellow citizens who live in Greece.

It was for these reasons – as well as Greece’s need to strengthen ties with its diaspora community – that Greece now recognizes the grave need to grant expatriates the right to vote from where they live.

Those that meet the registration requirements of the Ministry of the Interior and are motivated to vote in the next Greek elections, this is a major historic milestone.

And if we vote en masse, the competition between Greek politicians for our vote will intensify. Vote hunting is likely to shift from areas of Greece to areas outside Greece that have a large expatriate population.

And then you will see how much more they will flatter us.