Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday presented the governing New Democracy party’s proposed framework for constitutional revision, outlining amendments to 30 articles that would reshape judicial appointments, electoral procedures, public administration and environmental protections.

The proposals, introduced before the party’s parliamentary group, mark the beginning of what officials described as a lengthy, multistage debate over constitutional reform. According to the government’s timetable, the formal process is expected to begin in May, when New Democracy submits its proposal with the signatures of at least 50 lawmakers, followed by the establishment of a constitutional revision committee.

Among the most consequential proposals are changes to Article 86, governing ministerial responsibility. The government proposes abolishing the requirement that Parliament act “without delay” and removing Parliament’s authority to conduct preliminary investigations. Instead, preliminary examinations would be carried out by an appellate prosecutor, while prosecution decisions would require a parliamentary vote by an absolute majority through a roll-call procedure.

The package also proposes allowing postal voting for voters within Greece, extending a system previously associated with voters abroad. Another proposal would establish a six-year term for the president.

Judicial reforms feature prominently. Promotions to the highest judicial positions would be decided by a special parliamentary committee from among the most senior judges, without government intervention. Candidates would be drawn from lists proposed by judicial plenaries.

Other proposed revisions address climate change, renewable energy, affordable housing and intergenerational justice. The text also calls for constitutional guarantees of good legislative practice, fiscal balance and democratic party organization.

The proposals include changes to education, including a guarantee that compulsory schooling cannot last fewer than 11 years and provisions permitting higher education institutions with public or non-state, nonprofit status operating under independent supervision.

Additional revisions would redefine public sector permanence, expand protections for property and establish new procedures for selecting the heads of independent authorities.

The revision package introduces language stating that artificial intelligence “must serve freedom and the welfare of society,” while seeking to mitigate risks and maximize benefits. Separate amendments concerning the media would aim at the “purification and rationalization” of print, television, radio and internet regulation, while protecting journalists in relation to their employers. Other measures would streamline incompatibility rules for lawmakers and reinforce standards for governmental functioning.

Source: Ekathimerini.com