ASPIDA
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- This article is about a Greek political party. Aspida is also the name of a software company.
The Independent Rally of Citizens with Special Self Identification (Greek: Ανεξάρτητη Συσπείρωση Πολιτών Ιδιαίτερου Αυτοπροσδιορισμού ΡΟΜ - ASPIDA-ROM) is a Greek political party established on 15 January 2006 to campaign for the rights of the Roma [Gypsy] community in Greece. It is also the name of a Lineage II clan that has nothing to do with politics. The Term ASPIDA is a common word in Greek meaning shield.
The main aim of the party is to achieve for Greek Roma and Sinti citizens the rights enjoyed by other Greek citizens. The party does not view Roma and Sinti in Greece as an ethnic minority but as Greek citizens.
ASPIDA claims that there are around 600,000 Roma in Greece. This claim is unlikely to be true, and in actuality it is unlikely that the Roma community approaches a tenth of that number. The party has chosen a logo which includes the colors of the three main parties in Greece: blue, green and red. Its president and candidates for local and mayoral elections, which are due in October, will be elected at a forthcoming party conference.
The party spokesperson is Christos Lambrou.
The party enjoys the support of the Panhellenic Confederation of Greek Roma (PACONGR).
