Konstantinos Karamanlis did not ramble; laconic by nately, he did not respond the questions of journalists. He rarely violated this tactic in order to generate more riddles to solve rather than provide answers. When asked at a press conference in Paris in 1975 if Greece was going to purchase arms from France, he famously responded that there are things that are said but not done and there are things are not said but done. A short while later, on a flight to London, he told journalists that “we are doing fine abroad” hinting that he was not pleased with the political situation in Greece. Finally, he is knows for describing the country as “an endless madhouse”.

On occasion Karamanlis confided to certain of his peers. On Sundays he would often invite well-known divs for lunch, including a small number of journalists. There never more than two at a time. He directed the orchestra as he pleased and coordinated the discussion as he saw fit.

At the time the powers of the President were a much-debated subject, as the new constitution was being discussed, following the collapse of the dictatorship and monarchy in Greece.

Karamanlis’ desire was for the President to have increased authority as the leader of the State. Furthermore, the new Constitution provided that if the National Assembly was unable to elect a President after three votes, then it would dissolve and call elections. Off the record, Karamanlis explained that the dissolution of the national assembly was to be used to pressure MPs. If the necessary 180 votes were not amassed, then the MPs would lose their seat.

A fair few years have gone since then. No President has ever exercised the expanded powers that Konstantinos Karamanlis had introduced.

After a resounding victory in 1981, PASOK essentially abolished the President’s authority, thus creating a state informally focused on the Prime Minister. Profound compromises soon followed.

Thanks to PASOK, K. Stefanopoulos (a pureblooded rightist) was elected President; likewise, thanks to New Democracy, Karolos Papoulias – a prominent PASOK officer – was elected President.

Now we will see if today’s Parliament can elect a President or if it will “take advantage” of the Constitutional provisions and prompt early elections.

It is obvious that any development will be important. A fierce political battle without great importance will take place, since the goal is supposed to be a week presidential authority.

It is time for serous and responsible decisions. A change in the Constitution could make it so that the President is elected directly by the people.

Turkey has a President and we are debating whether the State leader is a tool for political developments.

Stavros P. Psycharis

Originally published in the Sunday print edition