Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of constitutional revision in an interview on Thursday, highlighting it as a significant initiative. In discussions with President Konstantinos Tasoulas, he noted that achieving this requires 180 votes in one of two parliamentary votes, necessitating cooperation among parties.
Specifically addressing the proposal concerning the tenure of civil servants, the Prime Minister stated, “This relates to the institutional recognition of performance evaluations—to reward those who demonstrate commitment, while ensuring that those who consistently underperform can be removed from the public sector without constitutional barriers.”
He further added, “This reflects a mature understanding of the responsibilities and roles in public administration.”
Mitsotakis also indicated, “We will pursue changes to Article 86 regarding ministerial accountability, Article 16 on higher education, and Article 24—while maintaining our commitment to environmental protection.”
“I would like to see this process begin in the next parliamentary session, but it’s vital to start a public dialogue now and for political parties to express their positions, as the first Parliament will determine which articles to revise. Given the current polarized environment—not driven by the government—I expect parties to engage responsibly,” he concluded.
“Constitutional revision should be viewed as a tangible effort to enhance citizens’ quality of life,” remarked Konstantinos Tasoulas.
“The Constitution serves as a guiding framework for political parties—an indispensable structure,” he added.
“Even amidst political tensions, the push for consensus in constitutional reform should inform the environment, rather than the reverse. Since you’ve initiated this process, I believe discussions should be conducted in a spirit of cooperation. This doesn’t imply total agreement, but rather a collaborative tone,” stressed the President.
“Even the mathematics involved in constitutional amendments necessitate consensus,” Tasoulas concluded. According to protothema.gr, a constitutional article receiving over 180 votes can be revised in the next Parliament with just 151 votes; an article with fewer than 180 requires a 3/5 majority in the revising Parliament.
Healthcare
The Prime Minister also addressed healthcare, highlighting projects funded through the Recovery Fund, along with initiatives in digital health and preventive screenings. He noted that over 2 million citizens have engaged with the “Prolambano” (I Prevent) program. “This represents a transformative shift in our healthcare approach; our ministry is about health, not illness,” he emphasized.
Full Dialogue Between Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Konstantinos Tasoulas
KYRIAKOS MITSOTAKIS: Mr. President, I would like to start today’s discussion by addressing my recent remarks about constitutional revision.
It’s crucial that we discuss this matter, as constitutional revision represents the highest parliamentary effort, which must span two consecutive Parliaments and requires a minimum of 180 votes in one ballot. Hence, broad parliamentary consensus is vital.
I previously mentioned that Article 103 of the Constitution should be considered for revision. This article pertains to the constitutionally guaranteed tenure of civil servants. I want to clarify that this initiative primarily aims to institutionalize performance evaluations to reward dedicated public servants while removing constitutional barriers for the dismissal of those who consistently underperform.
This is a significant initiative representing maturity in our understanding of public administration, which exists to serve the citizens.
Beyond this article, we also see the need to modify Article 86 on ministerial accountability, Article 16 on higher education, and to amend Article 24 without compromising environmental protections. Additionally, I believe it’s time to modernize urban planning and related articles.
I hope to initiate this process in the next Parliamentary Session. It’s essential to foster a public dialogue now and for other parties to articulate their views, as the first Parliament will select which articles to revise, while the next will determine their contents.
In this environment of political polarization—not due to the government, but due to the choices of several opposition parties—I want to emphasize that constitutional revisions have historically been opportunities to foster consensus, not division. This is mandated by the Constitution, and I trust the parties to approach the process with the necessary institutional responsibility.
I would like to briefly mention the vital reforms in healthcare that are underway. Numerous projects funded by the Recovery Fund are now benefiting the National Health System and citizens.
I refer to improvements in emergency departments and health centers. For example, I will visit Megara to inaugurate a newly renovated health center funded through the Recovery Fund.
There are also numerous digital health and preventive care initiatives, which I highly value. Over 2.5 million citizens have engaged in preventive screenings through the “Prolambano” program, including the “Fofi Gennimata” breast cancer screening initiative.
This is a groundbreaking approach. We aim not just to treat illnesses but to prevent them or detect them early. For me, this marks a total shift in our health perspective.
After all, it’s referred to as the Ministry of Health—not Illness. Therefore, health promotion and illness prevention are primary policy objectives.
KONSTANTINOS AN. TASOULAS: Thank you for your introduction, Mr. Prime Minister. Both topics are very significant. Connecting them, I think even healthcare falls under constitutional considerations.
Article 21 obligates the state to ensure citizens’ health, particularly for vulnerable groups. I mention this to illustrate that constitutional revision should not be viewed as purely academic; it should be about enhancing citizens’ lives.
Every aspect of the Constitution—be it property, the environment, or higher education—ultimately influences citizens’ quality of life.
I would assert that the Constitution serves as a programmatic guide for political parties. Different platforms may exist, but this constitutional framework remains non-negotiable as we take an oath to uphold it.
One strength of our current Constitution—now the longest-serving in Greece’s history—lies in its alignment with the people and the era. Now is the time for contemporary conditions to drive necessary changes.
Traditionally, we aimed for each change to align with the times and be ripe for implementation. I firmly believe that even amidst political tensions, the need for consensus in constitutional reform should guide the political climate, not the other way around.
Given your initiation of the constitutional revision process, it’s important to ensure that discussions maintain a consensual approach. This doesn’t imply complete unity but should foster a constructive dialogue in line with the Constitution’s intent.
Lastly, it’s essential for citizens to understand that constitutional revision in Greece follows a strict procedure. This Constitution’s uniqueness is in its orderly handling of revisions, with all four previous amendments adhering to its guidelines. This Parliament will propose articles for the next Parliament to revise; depending on the voting results—over or under 180 votes—different majorities will be needed for final approval.
Thus, even the arithmetic of our Constitution calls for consensus. Healthcare and constitutional revision are closely interconnected, and I’m available for further discussion on these vital initiatives.
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