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The President of the Hellenic Republic

The President of the Hellenic Republic serves for a term of office lasting five years. The President is elected by the Hellenic Parliament (not by direct public vote) and a candidate requires a supermajority of votes in the Parliament (that is, at least 200 out of 300 members in the first two rounds, and 180 votes in the third round).

If these numbers are not met, then a simple majority (151 votes) can decide the matter in later rounds of voting.

The President serves a maximum of two consecutive terms, totaling ten years.

The President's duties include representing Greece at various events, signing laws, and formally appointing the Prime Minister and other officials.

The current system in which the President serves is a detail of the overall constitutional framework, established under the 1975 Constitution. This system has undergone amendment over the decades slightly changing the duties and method for the service of this mostly ceremonial role.

The President of the Hellenic Republic is officially Greece's head of state, a position created in 1974 after the public vote which abolitioned the monarchy and was part of the transition of Greece to the Third Hellenic Republic.

List of Presidents of the Hellenic Republic

Michail Stasinopoulos (1974–1975) was appointed as the provisional president following the restoration of democracy.

Konstantinos Tsatsos (1975–1980) played a significant role in drafting Greece's post-junta constitution.

Konstantinos Karamanlis (1980–1985, 1990–1995) served multiple terms as Prime Minister before his presidency, overseeing Greece's transition to democracy and its accession to the European Economic Community.

Christos Sartzetakis (1985–1990) is known for his role in investigating the assassination of politician Grigoris Lambrakis, an event that inspired the film "Z."

Konstantinos Stephanopoulos (1995–2005) was praised for his integrity and served two full terms, becoming one of Greece's most respected presidents.

Karolos Papoulias (2005–2015) served as Foreign Minister before his presidency, playing an important role as Greece face difficult economic challenges.

Prokopis Pavlopoulos (2015–2020) served as Minister for the Interior before his presidency, focusing on issues of national security and public administration.

Katerina Sakellaropoulou (2020–Present) is the first woman to hold the office of President in Greece, bringing a strong legal background to the role. She was also formerly the President of the Council of State.

Related: Greece History

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