On March 13, Greece will swear in a new President of the Republic, a role often perceived as largely ceremonial and politically neutral—a mere symbol of national unity.
However, a closer look at the constitutional framework reveals that the President wields certain hidden powers that can significantly influence the country’s political landscape.
The President as Guardian of the Constitution
Greece operates as a parliamentary democracy, where governmental legitimacy is derived from parliamentary confidence. The President of the Republic serves as the regulator of the Constitution, ensuring that governance aligns with democratic principles.
Although constitutional revisions in 1986 curtailed many of the President’s powers, there remain crucial instances where the officeholder can exert influence. One such moment occurs when investigative mandates fail, preventing the formation of a stable government. In this scenario, the President must convene party leaders to confirm the impasse. While the Constitution appears to limit the President’s role to a mere confirmation, it also allows for discretion and initiative. A well-prepared President can mediate and propose solutions to avoid prolonged political instability and repeated elections.
Another significant power is activated when two governments collapse within the same parliamentary term. In such a case, the President alone determines whether the existing Parliament can maintain stability. If deemed incapable, the President can dissolve Parliament and call for elections. However, before taking such drastic action, the President can use the threat of dissolution as leverage to push political leaders toward a viable governance solution, subtly shaping the outcome.
The President as a Protector of Rights
Beyond political mediation, the President is constitutionally bound to safeguard the rights and freedoms of Greek citizens. This commitment is enshrined in the oath taken upon assuming office. While the President cannot unilaterally enact laws or override government decisions, the position allows for behind-the-scenes influence.
Private consultations with the Prime Minister and key ministers offer an avenue for persuasion, urging the government to uphold democratic principles. Should such efforts fail, the President retains the power of institutional resistance, acting as a counterbalance to executive overreach.
The President as a Veto Player
A lesser-known but vital power of the President lies in the ability to act as a veto player. Although the Constitution limits the President’s authority to return legislation to Parliament—an option that has never been exercised—there are other mechanisms of influence. The President can delay signing legislative acts or presidential decrees, allowing for further scrutiny.
By carefully evaluating laws and decrees, the President ensures that executive actions do not compromise fundamental rights and freedoms. This oversight function extends to regulatory presidential decrees, which require approval from the Council of State, Greece’s highest administrative court.
A Subtle but Significant Role
While the Greek President is no longer the all-powerful figure envisioned by the 1827 Constitution of Troizina or the near-monarchical authority seen in later constitutions, the role retains substantial latent power. These hidden powers, when exercised strategically, enable the President to shape political developments, mediate crises, and safeguard democratic integrity. In times of political uncertainty, a proactive President can prove to be a decisive factor in Greece’s governance.
(Source: Ioannis Sarmas for To Vima)