Konstantinos Tasoulas Elected Greece's New President

Konstantinos Tasoulas has been elected as Greece's new president, receiving 160 votes from the ruling New Democracy party in a parliamentary session. His election follows a controversial tenure as speaker, particularly regarding his response to the tragic 2023 train crash, which has sparked protests. Tasoulas's candidacy was bolstered by a narrow majority held by New Democracy, although opposition parties, including the New Left, chose to abstain from voting, signaling discontent. The election reflects shifting political dynamics, with the conservative party facing increasing scrutiny from opposition groups. His term will commence on March 13, succeeding Greece's first female president, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, whose term expires then. The event underscores the complexities of Greece's presidential selection process, further complicated by a narrow parliamentary majority and rising opposition sentiment.