dw.com
Greece's Presidential Election: End of Consensus Tradition
The Greek parliament will elect a new president on January 25th, with the ruling New Democracy party's candidate, Konstantinos Tasoulas, expected to win only after multiple rounds of voting, marking a break from the tradition of consensus-based presidential elections.
- How does the choice of Konstantinos Tasoulas reflect the current political climate in Greece?
- Tasoulas's lack of broad political appeal makes a multi-round election likely. Unlike the current president, elected unanimously in 2020, Tasoulas is unlikely to secure the necessary votes in fewer rounds. This situation reflects the absence of cross-party consensus and a shift towards party-line politics.
- What are the immediate implications of the anticipated multi-round presidential election in Greece?
- On January 25th, the Greek parliament will begin electing a new president. A two-thirds majority (300 votes) is needed; if not achieved, further rounds of voting will occur, with a simple majority (156 votes) sufficient in the fourth round. The ruling New Democracy party's candidate, Konstantinos Tasoulas, is expected to win only in this fourth round.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of ending the tradition of consensus-based presidential elections in Greece?
- The election marks a break from a half-century-old tradition of consensus-based presidential selections in Greece. Prime Minister Mitsotakis's choice of Tasoulas, a loyal party member, signals a move towards consolidating power within the New Democracy party and potentially reflects a response to the rise of right-wing populism.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the election as a reflection of a shift towards nationalism and the growing influence of the right wing in Greek politics. The emphasis on the lack of opposition unity and the potential rise of far-right parties shapes the narrative around the inevitability of Tasoulas's victory, even if by a slim margin. This framing potentially minimizes the roles and impact of other candidates and other factors.
Language Bias
The article uses language that subtly favors the narrative of a rightward shift. Terms like "extremist right" and repeated emphasis on the opposition's disunity create an implicit bias. Neutral alternatives might include more balanced descriptions of the political spectrum and the candidate's political positions, without subjective judgments. For example, instead of 'extremist right,' the article could refer to 'far-right' or 'nationalist' parties.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the political maneuvering and potential consequences of the upcoming presidential election, but it omits discussion of the potential policy impacts of having Tasoulas as president. It also lacks details on the platforms or specific policy positions of the other candidates beyond brief mentions. This omission limits a complete understanding of the election's significance for the Greek people.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the choice as primarily between Tasoulas and the lack of a unified opposition. It simplifies a complex multi-candidate election into a binary outcome, neglecting the potential for surprising results or unforeseen alliances.
Gender Bias
While the article mentions Sakellaropoulou's presidency and her progressive stances, it does not analyze the gendered aspects of political discourse surrounding her or the current election. There's no explicit gender bias, but a more in-depth analysis of gender representation and the potential impact of gender on political choices would enrich the piece.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the process of electing a new president in Greece, a key democratic institution. A smooth and legitimate transfer of power reinforces peace and strengthens institutions. While the process is described as contentious, the ongoing process itself is a demonstration of the functioning of democratic institutions.