The Greek parliament today elected the candidate of the ruling party "New Democracy" Konstantinos Thassoulas as the president of the country with 160 votes, ANA-MPA reported, quoted by BTA.
In the 300-seat parliament, 276 deputies voted, while 24 were absent, including all 11 representatives of the "New Left". In the fourth and final round of voting, a simple majority of 151 votes was needed, and since "New Democracy" had 156 seats, Thassoulas' victory was almost certain.
The other candidates also received support from various parties. Tassos Giannitis, nominated by the main opposition party PASOK, received 34 votes, while Louka Katseli, supported by the left-wing SYRIZA and the “New Left”, collected 29 votes. Costas Kyriakou, the candidate of the far-right “Niki” party, won 14 votes.
Konstantinos Tassoulas will succeed Katerina Sakellaropoulou, whose term ends on March 13. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place later today.