On February 12, 2025, the Hellenic Parliament elected Constantine Tassoulas, the former parliamentary speaker, as the new president of Greece. Tassoulas, a senior member of the ruling New Democracy party, received 160 votes in the 300-seat parliament. He will succeed Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Greece’s first female president, whose term concludes in March. While the role of president in Greece is mostly ceremonial, this selection indicates the political direction of the country’s leadership.
Who is Constantine Tassoulas and What is His Political Background?
Constantine Tassoulas has been an important political figure in Greece for more than twenty years. Born in 1959 in Ioannina, he has served as a Member of Parliament since 2000, representing his hometown. He is a member of the center-right New Democracy party and has held various ministerial roles, including Deputy Minister of National Defence and Minister of Culture and Sports.
One of his significant contributions came during his tenure as culture minister, where he played a crucial role in reviving Greece’s campaign for the return of the Parthenon sculptures from the British Museum. His efforts included international lobbying and collaboration with high-profile figures like lawyer Amal Clooney to bring global attention to Greece’s demand for the sculptures’ repatriation. This historical and cultural advocacy has been a defining aspect of his political career.
