Kostas Tasoulas Poised to Become Greece’s Next President in Accelerated Vote

09:03 16/1/2025 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

The first vote for Greece's next President of the Republic has been scheduled for January 25, earlier than initially planned, following an announcement by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Speaker of the House, Kostas Tasoulas.

This adjustment ensures the process will conclude by February

12, allowing the newly elected president to assume office well before Katerina Sakellaropoulou's term ends on March 13.

The electoral process, shaped by recent constitutional changes, separates the presidential vote from the risk of premature parliamentary dissolution.

This allows a candidate to be elected with a simple majority in the later rounds of voting.

Up to five voting rounds are permitted, with the first two requiring a supermajority of 200 votes, the third needing 180, the fourth 151, and the fifth determined by a simple majority.

Each round will be held five days apart, with party leaders in Parliament entitled to propose candidates.

Mr. Tasoulas is widely expected to secure the presidency during the fourth voting round on February 12. He is anticipated to receive backing from the 156 MPs of New Democracy and several independents, ensuring the necessary majority.

Among independent MPs, attention is focused on former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who shares historical ties to political figure Evangelos Averoff, a connection also associated with Mr. Tasoulas.

While Mr. Samaras has not yet declared his intentions, his associates have stated that his position will be announced at the appropriate time.

Marios Salmas, another independent MP and a former member of New Democracy’s parliamentary group, has already expressed his support for Mr. Tasoulas.

This expedited process emphasizes a focused and efficient approach to selecting the next Head of State, paving the way for a smooth transition in the presidency.

By Emmanuela Argiti

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