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Old September 30th, 2014 #18
Englisc
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Greece: Prime Minister Samaras Eyes Constitutional Reforms

Including a change to the electoral system

(ANSAmed) — ATHENS, SEPTEMBER 29 — Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is to unveil plans for constitutional reform, including a change to the electoral system and the way the Greek president is elected, once the troika has completed its review of the country’s adjustment program, as Kathimerini online reported. Troika inspectors are due in Athens today and the coalition hopes that the review will be completed by the end of November or early December. This would allow the government to concentrate on winning over MPs before they have to vote for a new president to succeed incumbent Karolos Papoulias early next year. The government believes that the promise of major constitutional changes could help sway some of the 180 MPs it needs to elect Papoulias’s successor. Among the changes being considered are for the president to be elected by voters rather than Parliament, thereby putting an end to the threat of opposition parties forcing elections every five years if the government cannot muster the required votes to elect a new head of state. Also, the coalition is considering enhancing the president’s powers. In terms of the electoral system, there are a number of ideas being discussed within the government, particularly changing the way the 50-seat bonus is awarded to the party that wins national elections.

http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/n...3eb66d2d4.html