In a pivotal decision, Greek lawmakers have elected Constantine Tassoulas as the new president of Greece, succeeding Katerina Sakellaropoulou. The former parliament speaker, who has been a prominent advocate for the return of the Parthenon sculptures, secured his position through a parliamentary vote on Wednesday, achieving 160 votes in the fourth round of the election process.
New leadership amidst controversy
Tassoulas, aged 65, assumes a role that is largely ceremonial while stepping into the spotlight at a time of significant national concern. His election follows the tragic 2023 rail disaster in Larissa, which claimed the lives of 57 individuals. This incident occurred during his tenure as parliamentary speaker, and the government’s perceived inaction regarding a thorough investigation into the crash has led to public outrage. Many protesters have voiced their dissatisfaction with the handling of the tragedy, which has cast a shadow over his election.
Despite this controversy, Tassoulas expressed his deep appreciation for his new role, stating, “The presidency is a supreme honour for me, but above all a precious responsibility.” As a member of the governing centre-right New Democracy party, he previously served as culture minister, which aligns with his commitment to cultural heritage.
Advocacy for the Parthenon sculptures
One of Tassoulas’s notable contributions during his political career has been the revitalization of efforts to reclaim the Parthenon sculptures, often referred to as the Elgin Marbles, from the British Museum. His collaboration with prominent lawyer Amal Clooney has been instrumental in raising international awareness and support for Greece’s claim to these ancient artifacts. The sculptures, which Lord Elgin removed from the Acropolis in Athens in the early 1800s, have been housed in the British Museum ever since.
The Greek government maintains that the removal of these artworks was illegal and has persistently demanded their return, aiming to reunite them with other Parthenon artifacts displayed in a dedicated museum in Athens. Recently, optimism has grown among Greek officials regarding the future of the sculptures, particularly following the formation of a Labour government in the UK, which is perceived to be more open to facilitating loan agreements.
Among various proposals being discussed, there are suggestions for rotating exhibitions of ancient Greek artifacts at the British Museum, a development that many hope could lead to a breakthrough in the long-standing dispute over the Parthenon sculptures.