LAOS proposes mass migrant repatriations

The issue of immigration on Thursday moved back to the top of the agenda for the May 6 elections as the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) expressed its support for the mass repatriation of illegal immigrants as a precondition for Athens experiencing an economic recovery. LAOS was part of the interim government until February, when Greece agreed the terms of its second bailout, but subsequently saw its poll ratings drop to levels that leave the nationalist party in danger of not obtaining any seats in Parliament next month. LAOS has seen some of its support drift to another nationalist party, Independent Greeks, and the neofascist Chrysi Avgi, which announced its election candidates yesterday. The extremist party is polling well above the 3 percent threshold for winning parliamentary seats.