Greek Presidential Vote Stalemate: Third Round Fails to Produce Winner

The third round of voting for Greece’s new President of the Republic concluded on Thursday without any candidate securing the required 180 votes in Parliament, prolonging political uncertainty.

A fourth round is now scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, where a candidate will only need an absolute majority of 151 votes in the 300-seat legislature to be elected.

In the previous rounds, the threshold for election stood at 200 votes in the first two ballots and 180 in the third, but no contender managed to meet the criteria.

During Thursday’s roll-call vote, ruling New Democracy’s nominee, former Parliament President Constantine Tassoulas, secured 160 votes. The main opposition PASOK-Movement for Change candidate, Tassos Giannitsis, received 34 votes, while SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance’s candidate, Louka Katseli, garnered 40 votes. Niki party’s candidate, Constantine Kyriakou, received 14 votes. Additionally, 52 MPs were present but abstained, reflecting the ongoing political divisions.

SYRIZA Leader Calls for Tassoulas’ Withdrawal

Following the inconclusive vote, opposition leader Socratis Famellos of SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance called on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to withdraw Tassoulas’ candidacy, arguing that the process had exposed a widening disconnect between the government and Greek society.

“Today’s third, fruitless vote has confirmed the deepening gap between Greek citizens, Prime Minister Mitsotakis, and the ruling party’s presidential candidate, Constantine Tassoulas,” Famellos stated.

Referring to ongoing political tensions, including public outrage over the Tempi train disaster and allegations of a government cover-up, Famellos accused Tassoulas of lacking broad parliamentary and societal support. He urged Mitsotakis to consider an alternative, proposing Louka Katseli as a candidate who could ensure institutional integrity and democratic stability.

With the fourth and decisive vote looming, political maneuvering is expected to intensify in the coming days as parties seek to consolidate support.

Source: pagenews.gr