In a turbulent geopolitical environment requiring politically experienced figures to handle situations, and at a time when Europe and the US are shifting towards the “right,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis made a meaningful choice for the Presidency of the Republic by proposing Kostas Tasoulas for the nation’s highest constitutional office, confirming Protothema.gr’s report. Tasoulas, a seasoned politician widely accepted across parliamentary lines—having been overwhelmingly elected as Speaker of the House in 2019 and again in 2023—hails from the “deep” ND (New Democracy) but cannot easily be labeled a narrow partisan candidate.

With one phrase, Mitsotakis explained why he decided to deviate from the unwritten tradition of nominating someone from the opposition’s political camp for the presidency: “Neither the different backgrounds of the President and Prime Minister guarantee institutional balance, nor does their political alignment inherently create a constitutional risk. Our Constitution provides all necessary safeguards, and history demonstrates that it is the people who ultimately give value to institutions,” the Prime Minister stated pointedly. He also announced his intention to propose, in the upcoming constitutional revision, that the President be elected only once with a six-year term. This proposal reportedly stems from an idea by Foreign Minister and close confidant Giorgos Gerapetritis.

Mitsotakis’ Political Choice

Tasoulas is a figure with defined political characteristics and a specific profile. Although he originates from the “Averofian” right, having been a close confidant of the former ND leader Evangelos Averof, he is also someone who voted in favor of same-sex civil unions, even providing legal arguments in support of the measure.

Associates of the Prime Minister conveyed his stance that “consensus does not exclusively belong to figures of the center-left,” indirectly addressing why Mitsotakis considered but ultimately dismissed the candidacy of former PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos. Moreover, according to discussions within the Prime Minister’s circle, the tradition of cross-party nominations was meaningful when there was a clearly organized opposition camp, a condition that no longer exists given the ND’s undisputed dominance in the political landscape, despite PASOK’s recent gains.

Finalizing the Choice

According to information from Protothema.gr, Mitsotakis had decided on his selection by Saturday and initiated the necessary contacts. Sakellaropoulou had long been aware that her term would not be renewed, but she only learned of her successor after Mitsotakis had coordinated with Tasoulas. Despite political and media pressure, Tasoulas refrained from making any substantial statements in recent days.

In any case, Mitsotakis and Sakellaropoulou had another discussion yesterday to coordinate the announcement logistics, agreeing to avoid a potentially awkward meeting on the Presidential Palace couch. According to sources, even Sakellaropoulou’s statement was coordinated with the Maximos Mansion.

Kaklamanis for the Parliament

Tasoulas’ selection, signaling a more pronounced nod to the ND’s right wing, will be paired with another choice reflecting a similar orientation. As reported earlier by Protothema.gr, Nikitas Kaklamanis is expected to be proposed for the presidency of the Parliament. Earlier, he was seen at the Maximos Mansion. A seasoned parliamentarian, Kaklamanis also comes from the “deep” ND and maintains strong lines of communication with the “blue” MPs, enabling him to act as a stabilizing force in challenging situations.