Greek Parliament

Greek Parliament. The supreme democratic institution of Greece, it is a unicameral legislature that holds legislative and oversight powers. Its history is intertwined with the modern Greek state, originating in the 19th century. The body convenes in the historic Old Royal Palace on Syntagma Square in central Athens.

History

The origins of a parliamentary body in Greece trace to the Greek War of Independence, with the first National Assemblies, such as those in Epidaurus and Troezen, drafting early constitutions like the Greek Constitution of 1822. The first official parliament under a constitutional monarchy was established by the Greek Constitution of 1844 after the 3 September 1843 Revolution. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, its development was marked by political conflicts between the crown and elected representatives, notably during the reigns of King Otto and King George I. The parliament was suspended during periods of dictatorship, such as the Regime of the Colonels from 1967 to 1974. The current Third Hellenic Republic was established in 1974, and the Greek Constitution of 1975 formally abolished the monarchy, cementing the parliament's role as a purely republican institution.

Composition and election

The parliament is composed of 300 members, known as Members of Parliament or *Vouleftes*, elected for a four-year term through a system of reinforced proportional representation in 59 multi-seat and single-seat constituencies. The electoral law includes a 3% threshold for parliamentary representation and grants a seat bonus to the leading party to facilitate government formation. Major political parties represented include New Democracy, the SYRIZA, and PASOK. The Speaker presides over the body and is elected from among its members; the current speaker is Konstantinos Tasoulas.

Powers and functions

Its principal power is the exercise of legislative power, involving the debate, amendment, and passing of laws. It holds significant oversight authority over the executive branch, including the power to vote on motions of confidence and to investigate ministers through parliamentary committees. The parliament must approve the state budget proposed by the Ministry of Finance and ratify major international treaties, such as those of the European Union. It also plays a crucial role in amending the Greek Constitution, a process requiring an enhanced parliamentary majority.

Building and location

Since 1934, it has been housed in the Old Royal Palace, a neoclassical building originally constructed for King Otto between 1836 and 1843 by architect Friedrich von Gärtner. The building overlooks Syntagma Square, a central Athenian plaza named for the 1843 constitution. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the Evzones of the Presidential Guard, is located in front of the building. The surrounding area includes important landmarks like the National Garden of Athens and the Hotel Grande Bretagne.

Parliamentary procedures

Plenary sessions are governed by the Standing Orders and are presided over by the Speaker. The legislative process typically involves three readings of a bill in the plenum, with detailed examination often delegated to specialized permanent committees, such as those for financial or foreign affairs matters. Key procedures include Question Time, where ministers are interrogated, and the submission of parliamentary questions. The official record of debates is published in the *Government Gazette*. The opening of each parliamentary year is marked by a speech from the President of Greece.

Category:National legislatures Category:Government of Greece Category:Unicameral legislatures