Greece tightens migration rules, speeds up expulsions amid MP controversy

The Greek parliament approved a new law that accelerates the removal of asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected and permits their transfer to "return centres" located outside the European Union, contingent on bilateral agreements with third‑country partners. The measure follows recent EU rules allowing the relocation of migrants to non‑EU facilities and aims to shorten administrative delays.

During the debate, ruling New Democracy MP Makis Voridis sparked outrage by rhetorically asking whether migrant boats should be sunk, prompting sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil‑rights groups. The incident has heightened political tensions ahead of speculation about an early election and wider debate over Greece’s hard‑line migration stance.