Over twenty names of former prime ministers, ministers, political figures, and even individuals outside of politics have been considered for the highest state office, the Presidency of the Republic. With the announcement expected in a matter of days, following Kyriakos Mitsotakis‘ return from Saudi Arabia, where he is currently visiting, the famed shortlist seems to have narrowed to two individuals: Kostas Tasoulas and Evangelos Venizelos. According to recent discussions, Tasoulas may hold a slight edge.

The Sunday report from To Vima was widely discussed across the political spectrum, with Mitsotakis even spending Saturday morning at his office in the Maximos Mansion. Although various names were floated, his serious options appear to have been limited from the start.

The main shift in direction appears to be a return to selecting a political figure, following the five-year term of Katerina Sakellaropoulou, whose 2020 appointment served a different rationale. In his televised address, Mitsotakis will likely explain the reasoning behind his proposal and why he appears unwilling to renew the current President’s term. It’s worth noting that there were recommendations from Maximos Mansion advisors in favor of extending Sakellaropoulou’s term. However, it seems clear that not all ND MPs would vote for her. Moreover, party discipline could not be enforced, as Mitsotakis himself did not vote for Prokopis Pavlopoulos as President in 2015, despite the ND party line at the time.

The “Safe” Choice: Tasoulas

The growing speculation about Kostas Tasoulas found him in his beloved Ioannina for a somber obligation. The Speaker of Parliament had seen Mitsotakis at the funeral of Kostas Simitis at the Athens Cathedral but reportedly has had no other contact with him since. The Prime Minister clearly holds the well-read Epirote politician in high regard, as Tasoulas is now serving his second term as Speaker of Parliament. The two also share a tradition of drinking the first espresso of the year at Da Capo in Kolonaki Square every New Year’s Day, following the morning service. This year, however, the tradition was broken due to the Speaker’s bout with COVID-19.

Known for his dry and sarcastic humor, Kostas Tasoulas has been mentioned for months as a potential candidate for the Presidency of the Republic. As someone from within ND’s ranks, he represents a choice that aligns with the party’s roots. Elected in the summer of 2023 as Speaker of Parliament with 49 votes, Tasoulas is an experienced parliamentarian who understands the political balances and key players. It is expected he would easily gain the votes of ND MPs, including those of former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, with whom he shares a longstanding association dating back to their days with Evangelos Averoff, under whom Tasoulas served as a close confidant.

Tasoulas’s theoretical drawback is his limited appeal outside ND. PASOK has not clarified its stance on his candidacy, SYRIZA is unlikely to support him, and it is improbable that he would garner votes from smaller parties like Greek Solution or NIKI. However, the ability to elect a President in the fourth round of voting with 151 votes resolves this issue.

Broad Majority with Venizelos

On the other hand, Evangelos Venizelos is a figure who needs no introduction. He is seen as an excellent candidate capable of securing votes from PASOK, as Nikos Androulakis could hardly refuse to support the politician who made him party secretary during his tenure as PASOK leader. The two have a long-standing political relationship. Mitsotakis also holds Venizelos in high esteem, as they served together in the coalition government under Prime Minister Antonis Samaras when Venizelos was PASOK leader.

Venizelos’s legal expertise and institutional acumen are beyond question. His candidacy has vocal supporters within the government, as it aligns with ND’s position as the dominant centrist political force, enabling it to continue its political imperium. Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, which may require political alliances under the current electoral law, Venizelos’s selection could prove strategically important.

However, some are cautious about Venizelos, viewing him as unpredictable and capable of establishing an alternative power center within the Presidency. While his political allies dismiss such concerns, Venizelos has a history of surprising moves. Some ND members believe his candidacy could create unease, despite the diminished tensions during the coalition years.

The Voting Process

At Maximos Mansion, there is reportedly little expectation of securing 200 votes in Parliament, as was the case with Sakellaropoulou’s election. It remains to be seen whether three or four rounds of voting will be needed to resolve the matter. By all indications, however, the Presidential residence will have a new occupant by March 13.