Greece, independent from the Ottoman Empire since 1829, has developed into a democratic republic, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

The current Greek governmental structure can be described as a compromise between French and German models. The Prime Minister and Cabinet control the government’s daily operations, while the President performs some executive and legislative functions in addition to ceremonial duties.

Political System

The Hellenic Republic is considered a parliamentary representative democratic republic in a pluriform multi-party system, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Athens. In 1829, following the Greek War of Independence, the country was formally recognized as an independent nation under the London Protocol. The national holiday is Independence Day, celebrated on March 25.

Greece’s current constitution was originally adopted on June 11, 1975, and amended in 1986 and 2001. The document allows for universal and compulsory suffrage at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Hellenic Republic consists of 51 prefectures (nomoi) and one autonomous region*:

• Achaia
• Agion Oros* (Mt. Athos)
• Aitolia kai Akarnania
• Argolis
• Arkadia
• Arta
• Attiki
• Chalkidiki
• Chanion
• Chios
• Dodekanisos
• Drama
• Evros
• Evrytania
• Evvoia
• Florina
• Fokidos
• Fthiotis
• Grevena
• Ileia
• Imathia
• Ioannina
• Irakleion
• Karditsa
• Kastoria
• Kavala
• Kefallinia
• Kerkyra
• Kilkis
• Korinthia
• Kozani
• Kyklades
• Lakonia
• Larisa
• Lasithi
• Lefkas
• Lesvos
• Magnisia
• Messinia
• Pella
• Pieria
• Preveza
• Rethynnis
• Rodopi
• Samos
• Serrai
• Thesprotia
• Thessaloniki
• Trikala
• Voiotia
• Xanthi
• Zakynthos

Executive Branch

The President is Greece’s chief of state. This person is elected by Parliament for a five year term and is eligible for a second term. Karolos Papoulias, the current President, was elected to the position on March 12, 2005.

The head of government is the Prime Minister. Following elections, the President appoints the leader of the majority party to this position. Konstandinos (Kostas) Karamanlis, the current Prime Minister, began his official duties on March 7, 2004.

The Cabinet of Ministers is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The current ministers are:

• Culture - Michalis Liapis
• Development - Christos Folias
• Economy and Finance - Georgios Alogoskoufis
• Employment and Social Protection - Fani Palli-Petralia
• Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works - Georgios Souflias
• Foreign Affairs - Dora Bakoyannis
• Health and Social Solidarity - Dimitrios Avramopoulos
• Interior - Prokopis Pavlopoulos
• Justice - Sotirios Hadjigakis
• Macedonia-Thrace - Margaritis Tzimas
• Mercantile Marine and Island Policy - Georgios Voulgarakis
• National Defense - Evangelos Meimarkis
• National Education and Religious Affairs - Evripidis Stylianidis
• Rural Development and Food - Alexandros Kontos
• Tourism - Aris Spiliotopoulos
• Transport and Communications - Konstantinos Hadjidakis

Legislative Branch

The Greek Parliament (Vouli ton Ellinon) is a unicameral body consisting of 300 members. These legislators are elected by direct popular vote to serve four year terms.

The current structure of Parliament, by political party is (number of seats):

• New Democracy (ND) - 152
• Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) - 102
• Communist Party of Greece (KKE) - 22
• Coalition of the Radical Left - 14
• Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) - 10

Judicial Branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme Judicial Court and the Special Supreme Tribunal. All judges are appointed by the President for life after consultation with a judicial council.

Legal System

The Greek legal system is based on codified Roman law. The judiciary is divided into civil, criminal and administrative courts. The country has accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction with reservations.

References

Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.

Hellenic Parliament Official Website.

Ministry of the Interior National Elections 2007.

Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Official Website.