With the political system visibly slowing down, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is also seeking moments of rest and mental clarity through small escapes to his favorite destinations. This holiday season, the itinerary includes Chania and Epirus. The Prime Minister traveled to his ancestral land during the days between Christmas and New Year, while after the turn of the year, he is expected to head north to Metsovo.

The mountains of Epirus are a favorite destination for Mr. Mitsotakis, who has a particular interest in preserving their natural wealth. Similarly, Chania offers not only its coastal charm, such as Marathi, but also the imposing White Mountains, which the Prime Minister enjoys hiking. Alongside the books he traditionally reads more systematically during this time, Mr. Mitsotakis undoubtedly faces decisions regarding the Presidency of the Republic. When he first introduced the idea of making pivotal decisions in the mountains, during the transition from 2019 to 2020, he had also planned a trip to Metsovo. Back then, the mountains of Epirus “produced” Sakellaropoulou instead of Pavlopoulos, even though the likelihood of Mr. Mitsotakis proposing the then-President was slim, given that he had not supported him in 2015. Sakellaropoulou, however, was an unexpected choice at the time.

A Second Term?

In his recent interview with ERT, the Prime Minister specified that announcements regarding the presidency would be made in the second half of January. Admittedly, the environment has changed dramatically following the recent constitutional revision. Parliament is no longer dissolved if a President is not elected, and a President can now be elected with 151 votes. However, this is seen as potentially undermining the institutional legitimacy of the highest constitutional office.

While not renewing Sakellaropoulou’s term was initially the starting point of the discussion, the dynamics have shifted. Within the Maximos Mansion, there were advisors who previously argued for a change in the presidency. Admittedly, Mr. Mitsotakis himself has deliberated extensively on the matter, as evidenced by the government’s use of polling to gauge public sentiment on various options. However, the possibility of a second term for the current President has resurfaced. Recently, two prominent ND figures, Dora Bakoyannis and former President and MEP Vangelis Meimarakis, expressed support for renewing her term.

The Argument for Continuity

One of the main arguments of those advocating for Sakellaropoulou’s continuation is the following: If everyone publicly agrees that she fulfills her duties in a perfectly institutional manner, what reason is there not to renew her term? If Mr. Mitsotakis proposes someone else, he will have to explain why her term is not being extended. Quietly, many officials within the Maximos Mansion and ND MPs have no issue with renewing her presidency. She remains a well-regarded figure in the political center, despite generally low popular approval ratings.

MPs’ Opinions

A key factor complicating the discussion has been the stance of ND MPs. Many have publicly expressed a preference for someone from the center-right political spectrum, and some have been critical of Sakellaropoulou’s handling of issues, such as the controversial remarks regarding same-sex civil marriages. On the other hand, the improved relationship between the Maximos Mansion and ND MPs, along with policy moves that have broadened support within the party, give Mr. Mitsotakis the latitude to act as he sees fit. Privately, even MPs critical of the government concede they would not oppose the Prime Minister’s choice, even if they support it reluctantly.

The Shortlist

It is widely acknowledged that Mr. Mitsotakis will not make a partisan choice. He seeks a candidate for the Presidency of the Republic who can secure broad support. The possibility of Nikos Dendias was floated but dismissed early on, and the candidacy of Kostas Tasoulas seems unlikely. Political observers note that names floated during this “quiet” period often lose traction over time. Moreover, they emphasize that Mr. Mitsotakis does not want a co-governing figure at the Presidential Palace next to Maximos Mansion but someone who embodies both modern and timeless values and acts as a guardian of constitutional order.

Notably, the name of Evangelos Venizelos has been widely discussed. As a former PASOK leader and coalition partner with ND, he comes from the center-left and is said to have softened his stance recently. Another name mentioned is that of former Prime Minister Lucas Papademos.

Meanwhile, the central banker Yannis Stournaras, whose name was also considered, recently clarified that Greece already has a President “who is doing her job very well,” adding that the ongoing discussion is entirely inappropriate.