Konstantinos Tasoulas spoke of a great honor and heavy responsibility after his election as President of the Republic when the Speaker of Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, announced to him the result of today’s parliamentary vote.

Mr. Tasoulas made a call for a “national effort and social cohesion” and added that “Greece and the Greeks have claims to national security, progress, civil protection, and justice, as we see today in an expressive and justified manner.“

He also emphasized that despite international upheavals, “the course remains steady: strengthening defense and diplomatic capabilities and social cohesion within the EU.“

In a unifying tone, he further stressed that “regardless of specific disagreements, the invisible thread that unites us must not be broken.“

Statement by Konstantinos Tasoulas

It is the highest honor but, above all, a heavy responsibility. Mr. Speaker, please convey to the national representation my sincere gratitude for my election. Having participated in public life, I am aware of the potential of politics, which is brought to light by popular sovereignty—potential for action so that our homeland, regardless of ideology, and all its people may advance.

I am also aware of the weaknesses of politics. Only through national effort and social cohesion can we confront them—seeking social consensus through dialogue and solutions that convince the majority so that critique may be transformed into reformist policy.

Greece and the Greeks have claims to national security, progress, civil protection, and justice, as we see today in an expressive and justified manner. These claims are entrusted to the political parties that assume governance based on the principle of majority rule. The effectiveness of political efforts depends on the framework and the political atmosphere in which political processes take place.

And all this happens amidst geopolitical upheavals and wars in our region. The pace of the world as we knew it no longer seems to continue at the same rhythm. Amidst this turmoil, on this rocky promontory, the course remains steady: strengthening defense and diplomatic capabilities and social cohesion within the EU. The country is called to enhance its prestige outwardly. Regardless of specific disagreements, the invisible thread that unites us must not be broken. It is the invisible thread that binds us when we mobilize for a common goal or to prevent a common misfortune.

The harmonious function and synergy of institutions, a moderate political climate, and the safeguarding of unity constitute a supportive framework for achieving political objectives. The President of the Republic, as the regulator of the polity, is called to uphold this framework, standing apart from any partisan rivalry and highlighting, from time to time, the need to preserve the invisible thread that, in great and significant matters, never ceases to bind us together.

This duty falls upon the President of the Republic institutionally, historically, and constitutionally. It is a duty to the people and to the Constitution. With the help of God, the support of the institutions of the polity, and the people, rest assured that I will make every effort toward these goals.