The Greek President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, has used her constitutional authority to dissolve parliament as part of the formal sequence leading into the upcoming elections. This move triggers a political process that reshapes the electoral calendar and the interaction between the executive and legislative branches, a step that comes after negotiations within the cabinet and discussions with party leaders about the timing and logistics of the vote. The dissolution signals the start of a fresh mandate cycle and sets the stage for renewed public engagement with the nation’s political direction as voters prepare to choose representatives in a new parliament.
The government issued a public statement indicating that the existing assembly convened to receive the formal call for a meeting could be summoned on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 11:00. This brief proxy gathering is part of the parliamentary continuity plan, ensuring that essential procedural matters are addressed in the immediate aftermath of dissolution while providing a procedural bridge to the electoral process. In practical terms, this means officers will be appointed or confirmed as needed and procedural matters for the transition will be outlined before the chamber disperses for campaigning and public discourse.
Looking ahead, national parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place on May 31, with the transition timeline including the swearing-in of deputies on June 1 and the election of the new head of the legislature on June 2. The scheduling aligns with constitutional timelines designed to minimize governance gaps and to preserve the integrity of the legislative body during the electoral cycle. These structured dates give parties a clear horizon for strategy development, candidate selection, and public messaging as the electorate prepares to evaluate policy platforms, leadership credentials, and national priorities.
Earlier discussions involved former Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis engaging with President Sakellaropoulou to request the dissolution of parliament before the end of the government’s mandate and to propose holding parliamentary elections on May 21. While the initial proposal would have shortened the interval between dissolution and vote, the final decision was shaped by a careful assessment of political stability, public sentiment, and the readiness of institutions to manage a fair and transparent electoral process. The president’s consideration of the request reflects a balance between respecting the government’s mandate and ensuring that the electoral framework remains credible and orderly for voters across the country.
With a commitment to calm and orderly conduct during the campaign period, the president granted approval for the dissolution and the scheduling changes, signaling confidence that the upcoming electoral phase will proceed without disruption. Officials emphasize that electoral preparations will prioritize transparency, security, and accessibility to ensure broad participation among citizens. The outcome of these developments will shape the next parliament’s composition and will influence Greece’s domestic policy trajectory, international relations posture, and the government’s ability to implement reform agendas as the electoral cycle unfolds. Source: DEA News