The recommendations of the New Democracy party for the revision of the Constitution were presented by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras during a talk at the Institute of Democracy “Konstantinos Karamanlis” at the Athens Music Hall.

Under the heading “Proposals for constitutional reforms”, Mr. Samaras proposes, among other things:

-Strengthening the regulatory role of the President and his direct election should be up to citizens

-Strong guarantees for the exhaustion of four years of government with a stable electoral system to be changed by a majority of three-fifths of the House.

-Flexible government, with the establishment of three permanent deputy ministers: Foreign Affairs, Defense and Budget, with a term of five years

-Repealing of many general secretaries, to only one per ministry

-Guaranteeing equal rights and ending privileges of the political world. Changing the layout for criminal responsibility of ministers. Reviewing of the provision for MP immunity.

-A democratization of the political system to guarantee transparency in party finances

-Modernizing provisions for Mass Media

-Substantial separation of powers. Establishment of the incompatibility of the office of a Minister and a Member of Parliament. Parliament will stop being a vestibule for government.

-Revision of Article 90 in order to strengthen the judiciary sector’s independence.

-Establishment of a Constitutional Court

-Strengthening the principle of accountability. We propose establishing time limits for the term of Prime Minister, regional council of mayors and unionists.

-Reduction in the number of MPs and strengthening their role on a legislative and supervisory level.

-Providing strategic planning in government policy.

-Establishment of a special department of state for large contracts.

-Revision of Article 24 and 117 for better environmental protection. Boundaries for pastures. Responsibility for water resources.

-Revision of Article 16 for the establishment of Non-governmental, non-profit Universities so that knowledge and research do not remain an unproductive oligopoly in the hands of the few.

-New Greece demands more Democracy. Revision of provisions for referendums in order to provide opportunities based on popular initiatives.

-Change of provisions for the operation of Independent Administrative Authorities.

-Safety of citizens should come first, because it is their democratic right. Ensuring freedom of movement and unrestricted access to all (restriction on demonstrations).

-Protection of our national identity and language.