The end of an era for the President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias has arrived and in a few days he will hand over the reins.

Upon completion of a ten-year long tenure, he left the Presidential mansion with watery eyes.

The traditional cut of New Year’s cake took place earlier today, in a highly emotional atmosphere.

Mr. Papoulias visibly touched, greeted all employees of the Presidential Palace, his close associates and the journalists that attended the ceremony.

He said his goodbyes to everyone at a one to one basis and the times that his eyes got watery were more than once.

The President of the Republic foresaw post-election events and stated that there are various constitutional issues to be settled.