Popular Orthodox Rally Party

The Greek Popular Orthodox Rally, known by its Greek acronym LAOS, is a political party in Greece that was founded in 2000 by Georgios Karatzaferis. Emerging from a background in journalism and media, Karatzaferis sought to create a party that blended nationalism,…   Orthodox Christian values, and a critique of globalization, aiming to address what he saw as the erosion of Greek national identity and sovereignty.<br /><br />LAOS is characterized by its strong emphasis on Greek Orthodoxy, which it considers a cornerstone of Greek identity and culture. The party advocates for the preservation of traditional Greek values and norms, often expressing skepticism towards the European Union and other international institutions, which it views as threats to national independence and cultural integrity. This skepticism extends to issues like immigration, with LAOS adopting a hardline stance, arguing that unchecked immigration poses a challenge to social cohesion and the maintenance of Greek cultural heritage.<br /><br />Economically, the party has expressed a mix of views, often critiquing the impacts of global capitalism while also showing support for free-market principles, especially in its opposition to what it perceives as excessive state intervention and bureaucracy. This blend of economic views reflects a broader populist approach, aiming to appeal to a wide range of voters who feel left behind by mainstream political and economic policies.<br /><br />LAOS's position on the Greek political spectrum is often described as right-wing or far-right, particularly because of its nationalism, its stance on immigration, and its emphasis on Christian Orthodoxy. However, the party also incorporates elements that could be considered populist, given its appeal to the "common people" against the "elites" and its critique of globalization.<br /><br />Throughout its history, LAOS has experienced fluctuating levels of support, managing to enter the Hellenic Parliament in 2007 and participating in a coalition government during the Greek financial crisis. However, its support has waned in recent years, particularly as other parties, notably the right-wing New Democracy and the far-right Golden Dawn (now outlawed), have absorbed portions of its voter base. Despite these challenges, LAOS continues to advocate for its blend of nationalism, Orthodox values, and skepticism towards globalization, aiming to remain a relevant force in Greek politics.Read more