16:53
World Business
Greek Prime Minister nominates Costas Tassoulas for Presidency
Reuters
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has officially nominated Constantine Tassoulas for presidency.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has officially nominated Constantine Tassoulas, the current Speaker of Parliament from his centre-right New Democracy party, for the largely ceremonial post of president. The announcement, made on Wednesday, January 15, comes ahead of President Katerina Sakellaropoulou's term expiration in March, with a parliamentary vote scheduled for January 25.
To be elected, a nominee must secure at least 151 votes in Greece's 300-seat parliament. While New Democracy holds 156 seats, recent divisions within the party have raised concerns about its cohesion. These concerns stem from the expulsion of a former prime minister from the parliamentary group and a drop in popularity due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and reforms that have alienated some conservative voters, according to recent opinion polls.
Mitsotakis praised Tassoulas, 66, for his extensive political experience, having served as a lawyer, lawmaker, mayor, and culture minister.
Tassoulas, who has served as Parliament Speaker since 2019, expressed his gratitude for the nomination, calling it a "top honor."
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Newshour with Guy Shone
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