Kostas Tasoulas Emerges as Frontrunner for Presidency Amid Prime Minister's Deliberations

08:45 13/1/2025 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament Kostas Tasoulas is reportedly the leading candidate for Greece’s next President of the Republic, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis leaning toward nominating him.

Sources suggest that Mr. Mitsotakis has decided the country’s next president

should be a political figure, citing the complex challenges facing Europe and the wider region, which demand experienced leadership and skilled representation.

Mr. Tasoulas, known for his extensive political experience and steadfast pro-European stance, maintains a strong working relationship with Mr. Mitsotakis.

These qualities, along with his broad acceptance within New Democracy's parliamentary group and its voter base, make him a favored choice.

A close associate of Mr. Mitsotakis noted that if the Prime Minister opts for a party-aligned candidate, Mr. Tasoulas is the ideal selection.

While Mr. Tasoulas appears to be the frontrunner from the center-right, sources indicate that Mr. Mitsotakis has not ruled out choosing a candidate from the center-left to secure broader parliamentary support.

In this scenario, former Deputy Prime Minister Evangelos Venizelos tops the list. Mr. Venizelos, an accomplished politician with extensive experience in foreign affairs and finance, is respected both domestically and internationally.

His candidacy could potentially secure votes from Pasok and New Democracy, making him a strong contender in a third-round vote requiring over 180 parliamentary votes.

Other potential candidates, such as former Prime Minister Loukas Papademos and Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras, have been discussed but appear to have lost momentum in recent days, according to sources close to Mr. Mitsotakis.

The timeline for the Prime Minister’s decision is narrowing. On Wednesday, Mr. Mitsotakis will meet with current President Katerina Sakellaropoulou at the Presidential Mansion.

Following this meeting, he is expected to deliver a televised address announcing his decision and outlining the rationale behind it.

Ms. Sakellaropoulou, who became Greece’s first female president in 2020, will not seek a second term, as previously reported by iefimerida.gr. She has already been informed of the decision, which will be formally confirmed during her meeting with Mr. Mitsotakis.

The Prime Minister intends to express his respect for her tenure and acknowledge her contributions to the role.

This transition reflects Mr. Mitsotakis’s emphasis on continuity and institutional respect as Greece prepares for a new chapter in its highest office.

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