The independent MPs are close to forming their own parliamentary group, according to the regulations of Parliament. It appears that the necessary number of MPs required to set up a parliamentary group have come to an agreement.
Their purpose is to gain equal rights with the other parliamentary groups, such as having a parliamentary representative, making proposals at bill discussions and having offices, amongst others. Mr. Parastatidis, formerly of PASOK, appears to be the appointed group president. The current independent MPs are A. Loverdos, M. Androulakis, G. Voudouris, N. Nikolopoulos, Ch. Aidonis, K. Markopoulos, I. Michelogiannakis, G. Kasapidis, Th. Soldatos, P. Moutsinas, Th. Parastatidis, I. Kourakos, M. Bolaris and N. Stavrogiannis.
Some of the MPs however are keeping their distance, as they attempt to return to their political parties or join others. Amongst the skeptical independent MPs are Mr. Michelogiannakis and Mr. Markopoulos. It seems more than likely that Messrs. Soldatos and Kourakos will not participate. Should this be the case and the rest decide to unite, they should cover the 10-MP-minimum to form their own parliamentary group.
