Features & Interviews
Athens Voice Interviews Deon co-founders on postal vote
Postal Vote from America: How a think tank made the diaspora’s dream come true
Athens Voice - June 8, 2024
In light of this month’s EU parliamentary elections, weekly newspaper Athens Voice interviewed Deon Policy Institute President Georgios Laskaris and Executive Director Afroditi Xydi about the organization’s role in the postal vote for Greek expatriates.
“The establishment of the postal vote for expatriates removed both the restrictive criteria to register to vote as well as the requirement of physical presence to cast a ballot. The postal vote was introduced as a way to facilitate participation in elections. However, for Greeks living abroad, it is equivalent to granting the right of participating in elections.”
–Georgios Laskaris & Afroditi Xydi, Athens Voice
The journalists also ask about Deon’s overarching goals and policy areas, where Georgios and Afroditi underscore the organization’s commitment to transforming the Hellenic Diaspora “into a catalyst for the progress and prosperity of Greece.” The two co-founders also discuss Deon’s 5 implemented policy proposals as well as ongoing projects.
When asked about a pressing issue for the Greek diaspora in the USA, Georgios and Afroditi responded.
“A major issue concerning the Greek diaspora in the USA is Greek language education. There is a need for a comprehensive Greek language education plan from kindergarten to university”
Harvard Business School Features Deon
OUTSIDE VOICES: Organizing the Greek diaspora to help rebuild the country—and create the conditions to bring its citizens home again
Harvard Business School Alumni Bulletin - June 1, 2024
The feature traces Deon’s origin story, explains its mission, and highlights some of the organization’s early successes, such as the introduction of the visiting professor position in Greek public universities.
The piece also explores Deon’s potential impact on Greece. As Former Greek Prime Minister and Harvard Business School graduate Antonis Samaras said when asked about the organization:
“In order to face these challenges, the country needs to tap into the expertise of the diaspora to help shape effective policies. I am looking forward to seeing what they can achieve.”
Deon co-founder and HBS alum, Afroditi Xydi, is quoted in the column saying:
“The hope is that Deon’s success could set a flywheel effect in motion, bringing Greeks back home to further strengthen the labor market and create new economic opportunities.”
Deon co-founder, Georgios Laskaris, commented on the brain drain phenomenon:
“Greece’s loss is other countries’ gain. Talented individuals immigrate primarily to the United States or Europe, where they find jobs and more economic opportunity, and we lose them forever”
The piece also features Deon Board Member and HBS alum, Andreas Stavropoulos.