Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to announce his government’s constitutional revision agenda in a televised address today, initiating a process that could lead to significant institutional changes.
According to information ahead of the speech, Mitsotakis will present proposals to revise several constitutional articles. Following the announcement, consultations with lawmakers from the ruling New Democracy party are expected to begin, with members invited to submit their own proposals within the month.
In previous public statements, the prime minister has already signaled possible changes involving the job tenure of civil servants, environmental protection, the criminal liability of ministers, and the presidency. Regarding the head of state, Mitsotakis has proposed a single, six-year presidential term instead of the current arrangement.
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis is also expected to comment on the initiative during a scheduled media briefing at midday.
How the revision process works
Greece’s Constitution sets strict rules for amendments under Article 110. Certain core provisions — including those defining the country as a parliamentary republic and safeguarding fundamental rights — are not subject to revision.
The need for a constitutional revision must first be established by parliament following a proposal signed by at least 50 lawmakers. Approval requires a three-fifths majority of all members of parliament in two separate votes held at least one month apart. That decision must specify which provisions are to be revised.
Once parliament formally approves a revision proposal, the next parliament — known as the “revisional parliament” — takes over. During its first session, it decides on the final changes by an absolute majority of all members.
If the initial proposal secures only an absolute majority but not a three-fifths majority, the next parliament must approve the revisions with a three-fifths majority. Conversely, proposals that reach a three-fifths majority in the first phase can be adopted by an absolute majority in the second phase.
Each approved revision must be published in the Government Gazette within ten days and enters into force through a special parliamentary resolution. The Constitution also bars any new revision for five years after the completion of a previous one.
The current parliament will act as the proposing body, while the next parliament will serve as the revising one. For any proposal to move forward, it must receive either 151 or 180 votes in the present chamber, with the required threshold in the next phase depending on the initial level of support.
The prime minister’s announcement is expected to formally open this multi-stage process.
