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Wednesday, 4 December 2024
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Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-01-17Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] PM Karamanlis unveils Constitutional revision proposalsThe possibility of open-term contracts for hiring in Greece's massive public sector, changes in the promotions system for senior judges, establishment of a constitutional court, repeal of a ban on non-state universities as well as modifications to the regime governing Parliamentary immunity were amongst the proposed revisions to the Constitution that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis announced on Tuesday.Karamanlis unveiled the high-profile proposals during an address to ruling New Democracy's (ND) Parliamentary group. His proposal to allow the establishment of private non-profit universities has long been a pre-election promise of New Democracy, while PASOK leader George Papandreou has also commented favourably on such a prospect. As far as the justice system is concerned, the premier proposed that the presidents of the country's three highest courts -- the Areios Paghos supreme court (the highest court of appeal, with both criminal and civil sections), the Council of State (the top administrative court), and the Council of State Auditors (the supreme court for fiscal matters) -- should be selected only from among the Court's vice-presidents, while vice-presidents themselves should be selected only from among the 10 most senior members of the courts under the specific supreme court's jurisdiction. He also proposed that a fixed term be established for the vice-presidents of the three supreme courts. Karamanlis further proposed the establishment of a Constitutional Court with a fixed composition. Regarding the political system, Karamanlis said the goal was more transparency in parties' finances and campaign spending. Caption: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, top right, addresses deputies of his ruling New Democracy (ND) party on Tuesday in Parliament's senate chamber. ANA / P. Saitas. [02] Papandreou: Gov't approach to constitutional revision 'slipshod'Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou on Tuesday accused the government of taking a "slipshod" approach to the revision of the Constitution.Speaking to PASOK deputies, Papandreou said the issues raised before ruling New Democracy's Parliamentary Group by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, earlier on Tuesday, were "after thoughts" that had not been properly thought through, and chiefly served a "communications" agenda. He also advised PASOK MPs not to engage in debates on the issues raised by ND and to wait for the main opposition to present its positions on the issue, saying they are due to be announced at the first PASOK political council meeting that takes place after the meeting of the Socialist International in late January. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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