The anti-racism bill returns to the parliament

The Government plans to use the anti-racism bill in order to expel the dark shadow looming over it, because of Baltakos case and - in part - to satisfy one of the key demands of the PASOK's parliamentary team. 

As Mr Kyriakos Virvidakis, Chairman of the Committee on Public Administration, Public Order and Justice told the Committee's members, the discussions on the anti-racist bill which were adjourned almost 4 months ago will begin again next Thursday.

Note that the first anti-racism bill, known as "Roupakiotis anti-racism bill" was "buried" by the then Secretary of Government Takis Baltakos, after the relative decision of the Chairman of the Central Legislative Drafting Committee Fotis Kaimenakis, who afterwards took Baltakos place as Secretary of Government.

Justice Minister Ch Athanasiou then submitted a new bill, which modified the existing framework in order to be harmonized with the EU Directives.
However, the second attempt was also left unfinished, as the second reading by the members of the Committee has been pending for months.

According to a recent reply of Mr Athanasiou in the Parliament (before the Baltakos case) the delay was a result of “excessive work-load". However, he clarified that "The Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs are showing great interest for this bill, as we are often asked on its progress by the EU”.