Greek “political Ghetto” Ended, but No Jews Wins in Parliamentary Election

Jewry’s fight in Greece for a franchise in parliamentary voting resulted today in not one single Jew being elected to the Greek Parliament Previously, under the separate electoral college system, Jews were sure of a representation of two delegates.

Eleutherios Venizelos, who vigorously opposed the abolition of a separate Jewish electoral college in Salonica even though proportionate representation was introduced the country over, came out victorious in this city’s voting today. Since not one Jew was included on his lists, not one will go to parliament.

The election here, which was held yesterday, was caused by the annulment of the previous election by the Tsaldarists, who on coming into power in March declared Salonica’s separate elections illegal and ordered another to be held.

In spite of Jewry’s failure to secure parliamentary representation this time, leaders are satisfied with the principle, which gives Jewish voters a chance to exercise their influence on the results of the general election. In addition, the new ruling gives Jews a status of equality with all Greek citizens and practically abolishes the “political Jewish ghetto.”