A hard-line, majority core of public opinion not only applauds the government’s recent measures on immigration and refugees, but demands even tougher measures. This picture emerges from the GPO poll published in “P” on July 26, 2025.
GPO poll for Parapolitika: 43.9% see “organized invasion” of migrants
The reduction in migration flows mainly to Crete, following the announcement of the measures, is estimated to probably strengthen the main trend being formed against all those who enter our country illegally. Even on the survey’s basic question, whether migrants are considered people seeking a better life in Greece or Europe or “organized invaders and part of an overall plan to conquer the country and Europe,” the answers are divided. A 43.9% accepts the second, harsh characterization of migrants, while 48.7% sides with the first view…
A second reading of the survey reveals deeper processes in public opinion. Thus, while 37.5% view government measures positively and 58% negatively, the next question analyzes the negative stance: 40% of respondents answer that the government must take tougher measures! This view spreads horizontally across the political spectrum. New Democracy supporters share it at 39.5%, PASOK at 34.1%, Greek Solution at 77.8%, but also SYRIZA at 21.8% and Course of Freedom at 37.6%. Even 12% of Communist Party supporters share this view.
Majority demands even stricter immigration policy
Regarding the measures taken, seven out of ten respondents appear to approve them – and here again with broader acceptance from supporters across the entire political spectrum. Indicatively, 77.8% agree or rather agree with the arrest and return to their country of migrants who enter Greece illegally. And here the… cross-party acceptance is surprising: 97.8% of New Democracy agrees or rather agrees, 64.7% of PASOK, 95.6% of Greek Solution, 81% of Course of Freedom, 59.5% of SYRIZA, even 46% of the Communist Party!
67% support reducing benefits for asylum seekers
Furthermore, the measure regarding the reduction of benefits for migrants awaiting asylum approval is endorsed by 67.1% of respondents – and here with cross-party “coloring.”
It is clear that we are dealing with a strengthening of the majority of public opinion’s negative stance toward migration flows, but, at the same time, the desire for a more decisive stance both in guarding our borders and in managing the migration crisis. The government hastened to “ride the wave” and take tough measures, which are not far from what Brussels is discussing regarding immigration.
Positions such as defending the rights of refugees seeking asylum are retreating, and adherence to international practices and rights yields to the need to take measures. The issue is that all parties across the entire political spectrum – and particularly left-wing formations – find themselves facing their own intra-party “public opinion” that shares the need for strict policies to stem migration flows.
If this is the picture for short-term policies, the question remains unanswered what should be done long-term to manage a migration wave that will not subside.
Published in Parapolitika
