Greek President approves PM Mitsotakis’ request for dissolution of parliament & proclamation of elections on May 21

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou on Saturday to request that parliament be dissolved in preparation for national elections in four weeks’ time on May 21.

The premier told the president that he is “pleased to hand over the ministerial council act proposing the dissolution of parliament and the proclamation of elections. The government has practically exhausted its term, and the continuity of the state requires this,” mentioning Article 41 of the Greek constitution.

Elections “are a great celebration of democracy,” said Mitsotakis, who added that his wish is for a “fruitful debate” by political parties, “so that citizens can soberly judge who should govern them for the next four years.”

Mitsotakis also stressed that elections should be “a springboard for the maximum possible participation of citizens in this great democratic process,” and he stressed that first-time voters “should participate in the decisions that will be made for their own future rather than choosing to abstain.”

Approving Mitsotakis’ request, Sakellaropoulou said that she wishes for “a calm and fruitful pre-electoral period for the good of the country,” thus launching Greece’s official pre-electoral phase.

PM’s televised address

The “national goal of regaining the investment grade along with the need for a strong representation of the country internationally requires political stability over a four-year horizon,” said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Saturday in a televised address to the nation.

The Greek premier was speaking shortly after visiting Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou to request that parliament be dissolved in preparation for national elections in four weeks’ time on May 21.

Greece “needs a clear perspective on its course and clear solutions in its leadership,” he underlined.

Outlining some of his government’s achievements during its four-year tenure, mentioning reducing taxes and raising wages and pensions, Mitsotakis noted that Greece “must also establish itself as a geostrategic and energy force.”

Greece’s voice, he added, “can now be heard everywhere: in the American Congress, in Brussels and in all major capitals.”

Mitsotakis underlined that he feels confident, and noted that unity is key ahead of what he called a critical ballot.