Greek Opposition Leader Criticizes Government's Constitutional Revision Tactics

Nikos Androulakis, President of PASOK-KINAL, presented a stark political choice regarding Greece's constitutional revision, urging citizens to decide between continuing with the current government's "institutional decline" or opting for a Greece with robust institutions, social justice, and meritocracy. Speaking in Parliament, Androulakis characterized the government's revision process as driven by "communication tactics" and lacking a genuine institutional approach. He also noted the Prime Minister's absence from the debate, interpreting it as a lack of respect for the Constitution and the parliamentary process.

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whether they want a Greece that will continue to go down the institutional slope with New Democracy or a Greece with strong institutions, social justice, and meritocracy.

Androulakis outlined three core areas for PASOK's proposed constitutional amendments: updating individual rights, strengthening the social state, and enhancing institutional accountability through increased democracy. Key proposals include explicit constitutional protection against gender-based violence and femicide, safeguarding digital rights, and ensuring transparency in Artificial Intelligence systems. The party also advocates for constitutional protection of consumers and universal access to digital services.

Regarding the social state, PASOK calls for constitutional guarantees for the National Health System, the right to affordable housing, and access to energy as a matter of social cohesion and national security. Furthermore, the party proposes protecting water as a public good and bolstering environmental protections. In the third area, Androulakis emphasized the need to decouple the criminal investigation of ministers from parliamentary influence, reform the selection process for judicial leadership, and constitutionally enshrine the National Transparency Authority. He also suggested institutionalizing the "DIAVGEIA" transparency program and implementing stricter media transparency procedures.

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communication tactics" and "absence of substantive institutional approach.

Androulakis launched a sharp critique against the ruling New Democracy party, accusing it of "unreliability" and violating the spirit of the Constitution. He specifically targeted Article 86 concerning ministerial responsibility, claiming the government used it to "tie the hands of justice." He further accused the party of operating a "wiretapping state," violating parliamentary rules, and circumventing institutions, citing the prevalence of direct awards and rigged tenders at the expense of public interest.

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lack of respect for the Constitution and the procedure.

PASOK's leader declared that his party would only consent to a second, revisionary parliamentary session after the public has had its say, asserting this is the only way to protect constitutional revision from narrow party interests. He concluded by reiterating that the fundamental choice for the country lies between continuing down New Democracy's path of institutional decline or choosing a different direction.

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used it to tie the hands of justice.