ATHENS – Greece’s parliament has elected former speaker Constantine Tassoulas as the country’s next president, a decision that has sparked protests over his past role in handling a major train crash inquiry. Tassoulas, 66, a veteran politician and lawyer, secured 160 votes in the 300-seat parliament on Wednesday, succeeding Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the nation’s first female president. His five-year term will begin on March 13.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended his choice, citing Tassoulas’ extensive political experience and ability to unify different factions. However, opposition parties, including centre-left and leftist groups, refused to back his nomination, instead proposing alternative candidates.
The decision has drawn public backlash, particularly from demonstrators demanding accountability for Greece’s deadliest rail disaster in 2023. Protesters accuse Tassoulas, who was parliament speaker at the time, of failing to push for a political investigation into the tragedy. Under Greek law, only parliament has the authority to probe politicians for potential responsibility. Two years after the crash, a judicial investigation remains ongoing.
Analysts see Tassoulas’ election as a strategic move by Mitsotakis to consolidate his party’s control. The ruling New Democracy party holds a narrow parliamentary majority with 156 seats and is facing declining support, according to recent opinion polls.
Previously, Greece’s presidential elections could trigger snap parliamentary polls if no candidate secured enough votes. However, reforms introduced after the country’s financial crisis have adjusted the process, allowing multiple rounds of voting with progressively lower thresholds.
Despite the controversy surrounding his election, Tassoulas will assume the largely ceremonial role next month, marking a new chapter in Greece’s political landscape.