«I am sharing with you today my thoughts on this premier state institution. And, at the same time, I announce the proposal of the New Democracy for the person who will be called upon to serve it. Because citizens should know, judge arguments and thus become shareholders in all developments in public life,» Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a televised message to citizens.

As he said: «It is with a sense of responsibility that I announce that the proposal of the New Democracy regarding the next President of the Republic will be Constantine Tasoulas, the current Speaker of the Parliament and the third ranking statesman of the country. His wide acceptance is evident from the fact that he was elected President of the Greek Parliament three times with the strongest majority in the post-election period: with 283, 270 and 249 votes. While his unifying spirit and compositional qualities have, I think, been demonstrated by the admittedly impeccable way in which he has, so far, conducted the work of the Parliament in a very difficult party landscape.».

He also stressed that «given the unifying mission of the President of the Republic, I believe that he should be elected for a single 6-year term. That way, the debate on renewing his stay in office would not, every now and then, open the dance of controversy. And the institution would stay away from partisan considerations. This is a position that we will propose to Parliament during the forthcoming constitutional review.».

Concluding his message, he thanked Mrs.Sakellaropoulou who, as he said, has always held high the national dignity and introduced to the institution a new, human model of President and called on all parties of the Parliament to evaluate the candidacy of Kostas Tasoulas through a single prism: That of prestige and experience, knowledge and character, in order to emerge as a first citizen. «And if the impartial answer to these criteria is in the affirmative, I ask them to support him. It will be a choice of unity and perspective for Greece,» he concluded.

In his message, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said:

The President of the Republic must have high authority, wider acceptance and, of course, experience, knowledge and practical respect for the institutions. Wider acceptance, however, does not necessarily mean a proposal beyond the majority of the government of the day. On the contrary, it means a person who inspires confidence in society, who has the ability to compose and unite.

Because the head of state may have limited executive powers, but he is the symbol of the nation. Compared to his high mission, therefore, his political starting point is of less importance. On the other hand, neither the different origins of the President and the Prime Minister guarantee constitutional balance, nor does their political coincidence by definition create institutional risk. Our Constitution provides all the guarantees, and history also shows that it is persons who ultimately give value to institutions.

In fact, given the unifying mission of the President of the Republic, I believe that he should be elected for a single 6-year term. That way, the debate about renewing his tenure would not, every now and then, open up a dance of controversy. And the institution would stay away from partisan considerations. This is a position that we will propose to Parliament during the forthcoming constitutional review.

It is with a sense of responsibility that I announce that the proposal of the New Democracy regarding the next President of the Republic will be Konstantinos Tasoulas, the current Speaker of the Parliament and the third ranking state representative of the country. His wide acceptance is evident from the fact that he was elected President of the Greek Parliament three times with the strongest majority in the post-election period: with 283, 270 and 249 votes. While his unifying spirit and compositional qualities have, I think, also been demonstrated by the admittedly impeccable way in which he has, so far, conducted the work of the Parliament in a very difficult party landscape.

Costas Tasoulas has also served the country as Mayor, as a Member of Parliament for 25 years, and as a Minister. He is therefore well aware of the weight of responsibility he is called upon to assume. At the same time, his Epirus origin and his student years at the Tositsa Foundation have armed him with the power of self-made man. They also triggered his special interest in the problems facing the Greek periphery, for every citizen in every corner of the territory.

He also possesses a rich culture and a deep knowledge of Greek history, true patriotism and a character of integrity, with social sensitivity and a genuine simplicity and modesty. It is no coincidence that, although he was present on the front line for years, he was never interested in crafting his own communication profile. All this, therefore, is a guarantee of an excellent mandate.

For her part, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, whom I have already informed of my choice, has honoured her mission with consistency and a sense of responsibility. Always keeping national dignity high, she has introduced a new, human model of a President to the institution. With cultural and scientific standards, but also by developing an unpretentious communication with the citizens.

But I judged that in the coming period and in a turbulent international environment, the country needs a President of the Republic with a long track record in public life and with clear political characteristics. In any case, Katerina Sakellaropoulou leaves a positive imprint on the country's history. As Prime Minister and as an ordinary citizen, I honour her and want to thank her from the bottom of my heart.

I call on all the parties in the House to evaluate the candidacy of Costas Tasoulas through a single prism: that of prestige and experience, knowledge and character, in order for him to become a first citizen. And if the impartial answer to these criteria is in the affirmative, I ask them to support him. It will be a choice of unity and perspective for Greece».

According to sources, the postponement of today's meeting at the presidential palace is in full consultation with the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou

Mr Tasoulas: «Top honour as much as responsibility»

The Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Konstantinos Tasoulas, immediately after the announcement of his candidacy by the President of the New Democracy Party and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, made the following statement:

«The nomination of the President of the New Democracy and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for the office of President of the Republic is for me a great honour and responsibility.

As we have already entered into persistently turbulent and uncertain times, as we can see both in our own country and in the wider world, the preservation of our national unity and the harmonious functioning of the powers of the State become even more valuable prerequisites for the stability and prosperity of our country. And it is precisely these preconditions that are mainly due to the mission that the Constitution entrusts to the President of the Republic. That is why the oath he takes includes these, but also the defence of our national sovereignty and the rights of the Greeks.

But now the National Delegation has the floor. That is why, as President of the Parliament, I immediately set in motion the procedures for the election of the President of the Republic, with the first date for a roll-call vote on Saturday 25 January. Thank you.’