Konstantinos Tasoulas, Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament and MP for Ioannina, announced his resignation during a plenary session today.
The decision follows Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s proposal for Tasoulas to stand as a candidate for the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic.
“In the spirit of institutional propriety, I have decided to resign as Speaker of Parliament and as MP for Ioannina after 25 years of service. I express my heartfelt gratitude to my constituents, who consistently entrusted me with their representation in the National Assembly,” Tasoulas stated.
He reflected on his long career, adding, “I have experienced both the praise of the public and the challenges that come with this role. Now, as one prepared and courageous, I am honoured to accept this new national mission.”
During his speech, Tasoulas urged MPs across party lines to prioritise unity over political differences.
“Beyond the need to prove ourselves, to win, or to defeat our opponents, we are all connected by an invisible thread. When this thread becomes visible, it propels our country forward or prevents it from descending into chaos,” he said.
He stressed that this “invisible thread” symbolises Greece’s progress and national unity.
“We must safeguard and illuminate this thread, ensuring that the Greek people can draw strength from it,” he remarked.
Tasoulas announced that his resignation will be submitted to the parliamentary presidium later today.
He concluded with a final appeal to MPs: “Protect and highlight the thread that binds us together.”
The election for the new Speaker of Parliament is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, with the government nominating Athens MP Nikitas Kaklamanis for the position.
Meanwhile, the process of electing the next President of the Republic will commence on Saturday, January 25, with the first round of voting.
