Second Round of Greek Presidential Election Fails to Secure Majority

The second round of voting for Greece’s new president on Friday failed to reach the required 200 votes, necessitating a third round on February 6. All 300 MPs participated, with ruling New Democracy’s nominee, former Parliament President Constantine Tasoulas, receiving 160 votes, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonian

Main opposition PASOK’s nominee, Tasos Giannitsis, secured 34 votes, while SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance’s Louka Katseli received 40. The Niki party’s Konstantinos Kyriakou garnered 14 votes, and 52 MPs abstained.

According to the Constitution, the third vote requires a minimum of 180 votes. If unsuccessful, a fourth round will follow, needing an absolute majority of 151 votes. A final round will be held if no candidate secures a majority, with the highest vote-getter winning the presidency.

Tasoulas received support from 156 ND MPs and four independents. Katseli was backed by 26 SYRIZA-PA MPs, 11 from Nea Aristera, and three independents. Giannitsis gained votes from 31 PASOK MPs and three independents, while Kyriakou was supported by 10 Niki MPs and four independents.

Those abstaining included 21 MPs from the Communist Party of Greece, 11 from Elliniki Lysi, six from Plefsi Eleftherias, five from Spartiates, and several independents. The next round will determine whether Greece will see a new president or further rounds of voting.