Greece’s parliament has elected former speaker Constantine Tassoulas as the country’s new president, following a vote on Wednesday. Tassoulas, a member of the conservative New Democracy party, was nominated by the government for this largely ceremonial role.
Tassoulas, 66, is a lawyer and has been a member of parliament since 2000. He has also served as Greece’s culture minister and deputy defence minister. He won the support of 160 lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament.
He will take over from Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Greece’s first female president, whose term ends in March. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis praised Tassoulas for his political experience and unifying spirit when announcing his nomination last month.
However, Tassoulas’ election has sparked protests. Many people blame him for failing to hold anyone accountable for the deadly 2023 train crash, which killed dozens. Protesters argue that during his time as parliamentary speaker, no investigation was launched into the political responsibility for the disaster.
Despite the ongoing judicial investigation into the crash, parliament is the only body with the power to investigate politicians in Greece, according to the law.
Tassoulas’ nomination has been seen as an attempt to strengthen Mitsotakis’ political power, with opinion polls suggesting pressure is building on his government. Opposition parties from the left and centre-left did not support his nomination.
Tassoulas will be sworn in as Greece’s new president on March 13, 2025.
