Greece to Elect New President in Historic Parliamentary Vote

07:54 25/1/2025 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

The Greek Parliament will hold its first vote on Saturday to elect the country’s next President of the Republic, with the session set to begin

at 11 a.m.

The process follows constitutional reforms that decoupled the presidential election from general elections, allowing for up to five rounds of voting to select a new head of state.

Ruling New Democracy (ND) has nominated Kostas Tasoulas, a former parliamentary speaker. Pasok has put forward former minister Tassos Giannitsis, while Syriza and Nea Aristera back Louka Katseli. Niki has proposed author Kostas Kyriakou, who may also receive support from the Spartans party.

The revised Greek Constitution requires a supermajority of 200 votes in the first two rounds of voting, scheduled for January 25 and January 31, respectively. If no candidate secures this threshold, a third vote on February 6 will require 180 votes. If that also fails, a fourth round on February 12 will lower the bar to 151 votes, an absolute majority. If no absolute majority is achieved, a final round will elect the candidate with the most votes among those present.

Based on current party positions, Tasoulas is expected to win in the fourth round, supported by ND’s 156 MPs and at least six independent lawmakers. Three lawmakers are anticipated to miss Saturday’s vote. Syriza MP Kostas Barkas is hospitalized and indicated he would have supported Katseli. ND MP Ioannis Paschalidis is also reportedly hospitalized. Late reports on Friday suggested Pasok MP and former Prime Minister George Papandreou may also be absent.

The term of current President Katerina Sakellaropoulou ends on March 13, 2025. The upcoming election marks a significant moment in Greek politics as Parliament seeks consensus on the country’s next ceremonial head of state.

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