Alexis Tsipras presents his proposals, the slogan behind him reads: “The New Restoration of Democracy”, July 25th, 2017

#DoYouRemember — The launch of constitutional reforms by SYRIZA

The reforms will be accompanied by open dialogue and meticulous research.

AthensLive News
Jul 26, 2017 · 3 min read

Photos: Panayotis Tzamaros / FOS PHOTOS

The restoration of democracy in Greece after the junta is celebrated every year on the July 24th. In 2016, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras took the chance to begin what he calls a new chapter of democracy in Greece.

“The economic crisis is a failure of the restoration of democracy,” he proclaimed at the courtyard of the Greek parliament. “The political system is highly responsible for the economic and ethical bankruptcy of our country. The only way to get out of the crisis, once and for all, is to get rid of the old system. Let’s be done with what got us to this point.”

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras presents the main points of the government’s proposal for the constitutional reform at the courtyard of the Greek Parliament. July 25, 2016.

To this end, he created an organisational committee to oversee the work, starting in September 2016. The committee is comprised of academics and key agents from business, financial and social institutions.

First, a dialogue was to be opened in all local municipalities, between experts, society and civil movements. Then, assemblies were to be held in every one of the 13 prefectures of Greece. Simultaneously, a digital platform where citizens can discuss the issues was designed.

A questionnaire of 53 questions is available online. Greek citizens can answer it, to guide the assembly phase of the grande project. The proposed reforms revolve around 6 axes:

  • Institutional reform of the state and the political framework: who elects the President, and what are his responsibilities? What is the role of the Parliament? Should MPs have term limits? Can the diaspora vote? Can the Parliament withdraw support from the government?

The reforms need to be approved either by a referendum or by a strong parliamentary majority.


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AthensLive

AthensLive is a non-profit, on-the-ground source for stories from Athens and throughout Greece.

AthensLive News

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Your independent on-the-ground source for stories, news, and images from Athens and throughout Greece. In English. / athenslive.gr / info@athenslive.gr

AthensLive

AthensLive is a non-profit, on-the-ground source for stories from Athens and throughout Greece.

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