Constantine Tassoulas Elected as Greece’s New President

On February 12, 2025, the Hellenic Parliament elected Constantine Tassoulas, the former parliamentary speaker, as the new president of Greece. Tassoulas, a senior member of the ruling New Democracy party, secured 160 votes in the 300-seat parliament. He will take over from Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Greece’s first female president, whose term ends in March. The position of president in Greece is largely ceremonial, but the selection reflects the political direction of the country’s leadership.

Who is Constantine Tassoulas and What is His Political Background?

Constantine Tassoulas has been a key political figure in Greece for over two decades. Born in 1959 in Ioannina, he has been a Member of Parliament since 2000, representing his hometown. He is affiliated with the center-right New Democracy party and has held several ministerial positions, including Deputy Minister of National Defence and Minister of Culture and Sports.

One of his significant contributions came during his tenure as culture minister, where he played a crucial role in reviving Greece’s campaign for the return of the Parthenon sculptures from the British Museum. His efforts included international lobbying and collaboration with high-profile figures like lawyer Amal Clooney to bring global attention to Greece’s demand for the sculptures’ repatriation. This historical and cultural advocacy has been a defining aspect of his political career.

Why Was His Election Controversial?

While Tassoulas’ election received strong backing from the ruling government, it was not without criticism. Many in the opposition and sections of the public have raised concerns over his role as parliamentary speaker, particularly regarding the 2023 train crash in Larissa. The tragedy, which claimed dozens of lives, remains Greece’s deadliest rail disaster. Protesters and opposition members argue that Tassoulas, during his tenure as speaker, failed to ensure a thorough parliamentary investigation into the political responsibilities surrounding the incident.

A judicial investigation is still ongoing, but under Greek law, only parliament has the authority to probe political accountability. Critics see his election as a missed opportunity to address these concerns transparently. His presidency will likely face scrutiny from those who believe that past political failures were overlooked in the decision-making process.

What Does This Mean for Greece’s Political Future?

Tassoulas’ election is seen as a move by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to consolidate power within the New Democracy party. Mitsotakis endorsed Tassoulas for his experience and reputation as a unifier, but analysts believe the decision was also strategic. The ruling party has been facing growing political pressure, with recent polls indicating a decline in public support. The opposition, particularly leftist and center-left parties, had proposed alternative candidates but did not have the numbers to block his appointment.

With Tassoulas set to take office on March 13, 2025, his presidency is expected to focus on national unity and cultural diplomacy. His strong advocacy for reclaiming Greece’s historical artifacts, including the Parthenon sculptures, is likely to remain a priority. While the role of the president is mostly symbolic, his stance on key cultural and historical issues will shape Greece’s international engagements in the coming years.

Summary  of the news