Veteran conservative politician sworn in as Greece’s new president

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Veteran conservative politician Konstantinos Tasoulas was sworn in as Greece’s new president on Thursday.

A jurist and senior lawmaker, Tasoulas previously served as culture minister and deputy defense minister under conservative New Democracy governments. He was also parliament speaker for three terms.

Nominated by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, he will now serve a five-year term in the largely ceremonial role.

He succeeds Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the country’s first woman to hold the office.

His oath-taking ceremony took place in the parliament building in Athens.

On Feb. 12, Tasoulas was elected president, receiving 160 votes from the 300-seat Greek parliament in the fourth round of voting.

After his election, he vowed to promote Greece on the international stage.

“Greece must further enhance its international standing while also striving for progress and trust within,” he said. “I believe these goals are widely shared.”