Misplaced Pages

#514485

73-613: EPLC was conceived by the European Group of Public Law and came into effect by a law of the Hellenic Parliament (law 2358/16.11.1995). Spyridon Flogaitis was the director of EPLC from its foundation. Foreign governments and universities had a right to be represented in EPLC's Board of Directors, and as of 2008 a dozen of governments were represented, together with 33 universities. Evripidis Stilianidis worked as

146-431: A 12-member committee of MPs shall be appointed and a date shall be set to determine the deadline by which the committee should produce a written report on its findings. In the report all relevant evidence must be attached. Ad hoc preliminary committees are vested with all the powers of the public prosecutor when conducting a preliminary investigation. The committee's report on its findings must be reasoned and should contain

219-421: A committee, the parliament also determines its subject and the deadline for submitting a report on its findings. Investigation committees are established for the assessment of issues of general interest, following the proposal of one fifth of the total number of MPs (60 MPs) and the vote of the plenary session, which is determined by the absolute majority of the present MPs and cannot be smaller than two fifths of

292-684: A final decision on the bills and law proposals for which they were established. Special permanent committees are established at the onset of each regular session, except for the Special Permanent Committee on Institutions and Transparency , which is established at the onset of the parliamentary term and operates at the entire duration of the term. There are eight special permanent committees on institutions and transparency; Greeks abroad; environmental protection; research and technology; equality, youth and human rights; regions; road safety; and parliamentary ethics. In addition, there are

365-421: A four-year term through a system of 'reinforced' proportional representation in 56 constituencies, 48 of which are multi-seat and 8 single-seat. Of the 300 seats, 250 are always elected proportionally , with voters selecting the candidate (or candidates depending on the size of the constituency ) of their choice by marking their name on the party ballot . If the party with the most votes receives 25% or more of

438-540: A head of state that the parliament and the Senate would elect to serve a five-year term. This "President of the Republic" would be held unaccountable from a political point of view; he would not possess any legislative powers and could only dissolve the parliament with the senate's approval. It also recognized the status of political parties as organic elements of the polity and established their proportional representation in

511-643: A majority of 69.18%, the Greeks decided against a constitutional monarchy and for a parliamentary republic . The constitution of 1975 was drafted using those of 1952 and 1927, as well as the draft constitutional revision proposals of 1963, while numerous clauses were also based on the West German constitution of 1949 and the French constitution of 1958. It included various clauses on individual and social rights, in line with developments at that time, and introduced

584-409: A member of the cabinet or an under-secretary. While the speaker and the deputy speakers are elected at the beginning of each parliamentary term and for the entire duration of that term, the tenure of the deans and of the secretaries lasts for the duration of one regular session of the parliament for which they were elected. The presidium's fundamental feature is its multi-partisan composition. Among

657-465: A presidential/parliamentary democracy, wherein the head of state (president) maintained the right to interfere in politics. Greece's current constitution has been revised three times, with the first one taking place in 1986 , when the responsibilities of the president were significantly curtailed. In 2001 , a very extensive revision took place as a total of 79 articles were amended. The new, revised constitution introduced new individual rights, such as

730-541: A researcher for EPLC from 1997 until 2000. The European Public Law Organization (EPLO) was established in 2007 to continue the work of EPLC. Spyridon Flogaitis is the director of EPLO. EPLC formerly managed the Academy of European Public Law , an educational programme of European Public Law Organization (EPLO). Its working languages are English and French . Hellenic Parliament Official Opposition (31) Minor Opposition (114) The Parliament of

803-440: A review on the proposed provisions. In most cases, the bill is first examined and amended by the appropriate committee in two stages taking place at least seven days apart. At the first stage a debate in principle and on the articles is conducted and at the second stage a second reading takes place followed by debate and vote by article. During the legislative elaboration of every bill from the competent standing committee and until

SECTION 10

#1732772073515

876-475: A simple majority vote (50% plus one), provided that at least one quarter of all MPs are present. The Conference of Presidents ( Διάσκεψη των Προέδρων , Diaskepsi ton Proedron ), introduced by the parliament's standing orders in 1987 and sanctioned by the 2001 constitutional revision, decides the weekly agenda, determines the procedure and duration for the discussion of bills (both in committee and in plenary), and may decide to conduct an organized discussion on

949-412: A single-chamber (unicameral) parliament, elected for a four-year term, and abolished the senate. Moreover, the king preserved the right to convoke ordinary and extraordinary parliamentary sessions, and dissolve parliament at his discretion, as long as the cabinet signed and endorsed the dissolution decree. With the revisions of 1911 and 1952, it lasted more than a century; one of its most important elements

1022-472: A speaker requires an absolute parliamentary majority (151 votes). Should a majority not be attained, there is a new round of voting to elect the candidate who achieves most of the votes cast by relative majority. Deputy speakers fill in for the speaker in managing and discharging parliamentary duties. Moreover, deputy speakers often fill in for the speaker and stand for parliament in Greece and abroad. Finally,

1095-457: A specific topic or topics. The speaker and all former speakers (who have been elected MPs), all seven deputy speakers, the presidents of the six standing committees, the President of the special committee on institutions and transparency, the presidents of the parliamentary groups and one independent MP (to represent any independents, provided there are at least five), make up the composition of

1168-428: A succinct proposal to open criminal proceedings. The committee is responsible for auditing the finances of parties, political party alliances and of candidates for parliamentary office, as well as ensuring compliance to the obligations arising from law 3023/2002 on political party financing. It is also responsible for auditing asset declarations made by the prime minister, the leaders of political parties represented in

1241-518: Is being formed. During its special sessions, the parliament deals exclusively with the matter for which it was convoked. When the parliament is in recess, usually in the summer, legislative work and parliamentary control is exercised by the recess section. Each recess section is composed of one third of all MPs (100). There are three recess sections, one for each month in July, August and September, where all MPs participate at least once. The speaker of

1314-516: Is discussed (usually a bill also includes other, miscellaneous, provisions or even provisions from other government ministries that have no relation to the bill's main theme), then per article (when amendments may be proposed and either approved or rejected) and finally as a whole. The government may designate a draft bill or law proposal as "very urgent" and request from parliament for the voting to take place after limited debate in one sitting. Bills designated as "very urgent" are immediately sent to

1387-427: Is exercised are submitted to parliament and ought to mention which minister they are addressed to. Should ministers to whom the document is addressed deem it is not within their competence to reply, they should transmit the aforementioned document, within the deadlines set in the standing orders, to the competent minister. Parliamentary control means must be processed within the regular session they were presented, but in

1460-517: Is provision for four special standing committees, which are regulated in the same way as the standing committees. These are the committees on the financial statement and the general balance sheet and the implementation of the state budget, European affairs, monitoring of the social security system, and armament programs and contracts Special committees are established by the speaker upon government request in order to elaborate and examine specific bills or law proposals. They are functioning until they reach

1533-405: Is sufficient for a vote to pass provided there are at least 75 MPs present in the plenum, with the exception of certain bills for which the constitution requires for a higher threshold. These include treaties that transfer sovereignty to international bodies (at least 180 MPs) or changes to the electoral law so that it cannot be abused by the party in government (at least 200 MPs). Custom, namely

SECTION 20

#1732772073515

1606-524: The Constitution of 1864 concerning the protection of human rights , were the more effective protection of personal security, equality in tax burdens , of the right to assemble and of the inviolability of the domicile. Furthermore, the Constitution facilitated expropriation to allocate property to landless farmers , while judicially protecting property rights. Other important changes included

1679-630: The Government Gazette . The countersignature of the appropriate government minister(s) is required along with that of the minister responsible for justice. Since 2010, all legislation is available freely through the National Typography Office website. The plenum exercises parliamentary control at least twice a week, which includes petitions, written and oral questions, applications to submit documents and interpellations. Documents by means of which parliamentary control

1752-681: The June 2023 Greek legislative election . All Greek citizens aged 25 or over on the date of the election are eligible to sit in parliament , provided they are eligible to vote and do not fall under any of the disqualification criteria provided by the constitution . With the exception of university professors, public servants (including members of the Armed Forces ) are barred from running for parliament, unless they permanently resign their office before promulgation . Οnce MPs assume office, they form parliamentary groups. A parliamentary group in

1825-483: The speaker of the Hellenic Parliament . The first national parliament of the independent Greek state was established in 1843, after the 3 September Revolution , which forced King Otto to grant a constitution . The constitution of 1844 established a semi-constitutional monarchy under the decisive power of the monarch, who exercised legislative power jointly with the elected house of representatives and

1898-632: The Council of State, the Court of Cassation and the Court of Audit, including the general prosecutor of the Court of Cassation. The Scientific Council has ten members, nine of whom are university professors, whilst the tenth is a high-ranking public officer. The president of the Scientific Council is mainly responsible for approving and distributing draft laws and law proposals to the appropriate directorate for scientific elaboration, coordinating

1971-513: The Dedilomeni Principle, dictates that there are always 75 MPs present in the plenum and that the government has the majority of MPs inside the plenum at all times, even if on occasion there are in reality more opposition MPs and less than a quarter of all 300 MPs present in the plenum. However, at any time the opposition may challenge the government by calling for a roll call vote provided that at least 15 MPs (one-twentieth) submit to

2044-515: The General Accounting Office's report estimating its effect on the state budget. Bills originating from an MP are called law proposals ( Πρόταση Νόμου , Protasi Nomou ) and must not include provisions benefiting a particular person or persons, such as increases in salaries or pensions, that would lead to a decrease in government revenue. It is also mandatory that an explanatory report is attached to all bills, elaborating on

2117-587: The Hellenes ( Greek : Βουλή των Ελλήνων , romanized :  Voulí ton Ellínon ), commonly known as the Hellenic Parliament ( Greek : Ελληνικό Κοινοβούλιο , romanized :  Ellinikó Koinovoúlio ), is the unicameral legislature of Greece , located in the Old Royal Palace , overlooking Syntagma Square in Athens . The parliament is the supreme democratic institution that represents

2190-456: The Hellenic Parliament should consist of at least ten MPs who are members of the same party. Five MPs should also suffice provided the party they belong to had ballots in at least two thirds (2/3) of the constituencies and got at least three percent (3%) of the total number of valid ballots in the country. Provided they are an elected MP, a party leader presides over the respective parliamentary group. They may appoint up to two substitutes, though

2263-596: The Hellenic or the European Parliament, members of the cabinet (including deputy ministers and undersecretaries), MPs and MEPs, political party financial managers, as well as those of their spouses and under-age offspring of the aforementioned in order to corroborate verity and ensure that new assets acquired or a possible rise in current asset value is attributable to incoming revenue of all types taking into account living expenses of persons who have to submit

European Public Law Center - Misplaced Pages Continue

2336-521: The Special Highest Court's case law. The most recent revision took place in 2008 and introduced several reforms and amendments; it abrogated professional incompatibility and as for growth and development measures extending on insular and mountainous areas, the central administration now assumed special responsibility thereof. It also bestowed the parliament with the power to proceed with proposals should certain preconditions apply, to amend

2409-595: The Standing Orders, Committee on Parliament Finances and Committee on the Parliament's Library. The Committee on the Standing Orders is established at the onset of each parliamentary term, while the Committee on Parliament Finances and the Committee on the Parliament's Library are established at the onset of each regular session. All three deal with standing internal issues of the workings of Parliament. At

2482-473: The aforementioned individuals for a hearing six months after they have been appointed or a semester after they last appeared before it. Such committees are instituted by means of decisions Parliament makes upon the government's suggestion or following a proposal by the speaker of the parliament or the presidents of the parliamentary groups. The committees' task is to elaborate on issues of general importance or national significance. Upon deciding to establish such

2555-651: The appointed senate. It also established the ministers' accountability vis-à-vis the acts of the monarch who was appointing and suspending them. In October 1862, a rising wave of discontent led the people and the military to rebel again against King Otto and oust him along with the Wittelsbach dynasty. The revolt marked the beginning of a new dynasty, with George Christian Wilhelm of the Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderburg-Glücksburg dynasty as monarch. The constitution of 1864 created

2628-410: The beginning of the 1950s. The constitution of 1952 consisted of 114 articles and to a large extent was strongly attached to the constitutions of 1864 and 1911. Its central innovations were the explicit institutionalization of parliamentarianism and the consolidation for the first time of the voting rights of women, as well as of their right to stand as candidates for parliamentary office. In February 1963

2701-410: The budget as well as an ad hoc procedure for the Parliament to oversee the budget's implementation. The Greek parliament currently has 300 members. Although the constitution does not determine the total number of parliamentarians, it does stipulate that there shall be no less than two hundred (200) or no more than three hundred (300), and since 1952 their number has been set to 300. MPs are elected for

2774-429: The cabinet (including non-MPs) or the president of the republic are first investigated by an ad hoc parliamentary committee, with MPs then voting on the committee's recommendations. Should parliament determine that there is sufficient evidence for prosecution, an ad hoc special court is set up. The plenum is composed of all 300 MPs elected in the general elections, which are normally held every four years unless

2847-560: The citizens through an elected body of Members of Parliament (MPs). It is a unicameral legislature of 300 members, elected for a four-year term. In 1844–1863 and 1927–1935, the parliament was bicameral with an upper house (the Senate ; Greek: Γερουσία , romanized:  Gerousía ) and a lower house (the Chamber of Deputies; Βουλή των Αντιπροσώπων , Voulí ton Antiprosópon ). Several important Greek statesmen have served as

2920-429: The competent minister or the representative of the agency along with the competent minister before the conclusion of public contracts of considerable value (over 20 million Euros). There are currently six standing committees: cultural and educational affairs, national defence and foreign affairs, economic affairs, social affairs, public administration, public order and justice, and production and trade. Moreover, there

2993-491: The competent standing committee which must first decide whether to accept or reject the government's request. If it accepts the request, it examines the bill in one sitting and must submit its report within the time constraints set by the speaker (usually within 6–8 hours). After the committee stage, the bill is immediately sent for discussion in the plenum (usually the next day) where discussion takes place in one sitting which cannot last longer than ten hours. During debate only

European Public Law Center - Misplaced Pages Continue

3066-616: The composition of parliamentary committees. This reform of the constitution is also a part of the Second Hellenic Republic , in reference to the Greek state using a republican democracy as a form of governance. This constitutional change was initiated in January 1924 and initiated on 13 April 1924 by the fourth national assembly. Following World War II, the development of parliamentary institutions resumed in 1948 and in

3139-480: The conference. Following the constitutional revision of 2001, the conference has been entrusted with the power to select, either unanimously or with the concurrence of 4/5 of its members, the board members of all independent regulatory authorities provided for by the constitution, the president, the vice-president and two members of the Statistics Authority, and the presidents and vice-presidents of

3212-414: The constitution: 1) elect the president of the republic, 2) decide whether to elect a new president in the event of a prolonged incapacity hindering the president of the republic from the discharge of his duties, 3) adopt a presidential decree imposing a state of siege (state of emergency) or prolonging the state of siege, and 4) resolve on a motion of confidence which is mandatory whenever a new government

3285-433: The constitutional revision of 2001 and the respective amendments made to the parliament's standing orders, standing committees may also exercise both legislative work and parliamentary control. To the extent provided by law and the standing orders, they may also discuss issues that fall within their competence and give opinions on forthcoming appointments to certain public posts. Moreover, the standing committees are informed by

3358-445: The cooperation and supervision of the work and studies undertaken by the scientific service, evaluating the work by the research fellows of the scientific service and carrying out seminars for the dissemination of scientific information to MPs. Both the government and MPs may submit bills, amendments and additions to parliament. Government bills are called draft laws ( Σχέδιο Νόμου , Skhedio Nomou ) and must always be accompanied by

3431-410: The deans assist the speaker in managing organizational and executive affairs or perform duties the speaker assigns to them. Secretaries assist the speaker during parliamentary sessions and carry out duties the speaker assigns to them. The presidium ( Προεδρείο της Βουλής , Proedrio tis Voulis ) consists of the speaker, seven deputy speakers, three deans and six secretaries. It is responsible for

3504-468: The discussion if they so wish. Once the list of speakers is exhausted or the ten-hour constraint has elapsed, voting takes place on the bill's principle and articles and as a whole. Until recently, the use of this procedure was very rare. During 1993–2009, it was used for less than 0.5% of the draft laws discussed and voted in parliament, however, following the 2009 election, this percentage increased to 3.73% and since 2012 to 4.91%. Given that around 40% of

3577-415: The event that this is not possible, they may be submitted anew. Parliamentary control means, other than a censure motion include) petitions, written questions, oral questions, applications to submit documents, interpellations, and investigation committees. The parliament assumes legislative work and enforces parliamentary control. It is for this purpose that committees of MPs are established, depending on

3650-516: The exception of crimes committed in flagrante delicto . They are also immune from having to provide any information to any authority regarding their legislative functions and deliberations. However, both the constitution and the standing orders allow for the Public Prosecutor's Office to request the parliament to lift an MP's immunity for a particular crime, with MPs deciding through open balloting. Alleged crimes committed by members of

3723-601: The following subcommittees to the special permanent committees: the Special Permanent Committee on Environmental Protection has a subcommittee on water resources, the Special Permanent Committee on Equality, Youth and Human Rights has a subcommittee for people with disabilities, and the Special Permanent Committee of the Regions also has a subcommittee on insular and mountainous areas. Committees on parliament's internal affairs are as follows: Committee on

SECTION 50

#1732772073515

3796-402: The government of Konstantinos Karamanlis submitted a proposal for an extensive revision of the constitution, yet the proposal was never put into practice because only a few months after its submission, the government resigned and parliament dissolved. After seven years of military dictatorship , on 8 December 1974, a referendum was conducted to decide the nature of the form of government. By

3869-470: The institution of an Electoral Court for the settlement of election disputes stemming from the parliamentary elections, the addition of new conflicts for MPs, the re-establishment of the State Council as the highest administrative court (which, however, was constituted and operated only under the Constitution of 1927 ), the improvement of the protection of judicial independence and the establishment of

3942-415: The laws passed concern the enactment of international and bilateral treaties which are generally adopted by unanimity or broad consensus, the actual percentage of laws passed using the urgent legislature procedure is 6.1% since 2009 and 9.4% since 2012. In other words, since 2012 one in every 10 laws passed by parliament was debated and enacted within 2 days. In most cases an absolute majority (50% plus one)

4015-453: The members of the presidium, three deputy speakers, two deans and four secretaries come from the largest parliamentary group. The fourth deputy speaker, a secretary and a dean come from the second largest parliamentary group and the fifth deputy speaker and one secretary from the third largest. Finally, the sixth and seventh deputy speakers come from the fourth and fifth largest parliamentary groups, respectively. All positions to be filled require

4088-505: The number of revocable staff working for parliamentary groups depend on their respective size and electoral strength. The president of the parliamentary group with the second highest proportion of MPs, i.e. head of the political party that is not in government, is referred to as the leader of the major opposition, and enjoys special prerogatives, such as extra time to speak before the assembly. Members of parliament are immune from criminal prosecution, arrest or detention while in office, with

4161-457: The onset of each parliamentary term the speaker institutes the committee which operates for the entire duration of the parliamentary term, including the period between sessions. The committee gives its opinion on the suitability of nominations or renewal of terms in office for chairmen and managing directors serving at public enterprises, banking institutions, public utilities enterprises and social security agencies. The committee may invite anyone of

4234-477: The parliament is dissolved at an earlier date. The plenum must convene within 30 days from the date of the general election. The period for regular plenary session starts on the first Monday in October of each year and cannot last less than five months. The interval between two elections is called a parliamentary term. Consecutive parliamentary terms have been listed on a continuous number sequence since 1975 with

4307-453: The parliament presides over parliamentary sittings and represents parliament in international parliamentary organizations and bilateral inter-parliamentary sittings. By virtue of the Greek constitution, the speaker shall temporarily exercise the office of president of the republic should the latter be absent abroad for more than ten days, passes away, resigns, is deposed or hindered from performing his duties for any reason whatsoever. Electing

4380-462: The power of parliamentary groups and independent MPs. Committees engage in legislative work or parliamentary control or special matters. Pursuant to the constitution and the standing orders the following categories of committees are currently at work. Standing committees are instituted and composed at the onset of every regular session by a decision of the speaker of the parliament, in order to elaborate and examine draft laws or law proposals. Following

4453-455: The present being the 18th parliamentary term. Parliament holds regular Sessions during a parliamentary term, and there may also be extraordinary and special sessions. The president of the republic may call an extraordinary session "whenever he may deem it reasonable" and also decide upon its duration and purpose. On occasion, should specific conditions apply, the parliament has to call a special session and perform its special duties by virtue of

SECTION 60

#1732772073515

4526-429: The president of the largest parliamentary group, the one which is actually in government, as well as the president of the major opposition party, may appoint up to three substitutes each. There are parliament premises meant for the exclusive use of parliamentary groups and independent MPs and parliamentary groups have their own administrative secretariats composed of revocable personnel. Surface area, number of offices, and

4599-418: The proper application of the standing orders (which include all necessary provisions for the organization and day-to-day business of the parliament), with the constitution guaranteeing the parliament's independence by giving the presidium complete and absolute authority over all matters related to it, such as its budget, services and staff. A member of the presidium, who must be a member of parliament, cannot be

4672-543: The protection of genetic data and identity or the protection of personal data from electronic processing, and new rules of transparency in politics (on political party financing, electoral expenditures, the relations of media owners with the state, etc.). It modernized parliamentary functions, propped up decentralization, elevated the status of fundamental independent authorities into constitutional institutions, and adopted its provisions on MPs' disqualifications and incompatibilities to current reality after taking into consideration

4745-415: The purpose of the proposed legislation and indicating the exact wording of current legislation to be amended or repealed. Draft laws (but not law proposals) must also be accompanied by an impact assessment report and by a report on the results of the public consultation that took place prior to the submission of the bill. Finally, all bills are examined by the parliament's own scientific agency, which submits

4818-403: The rapporteurs (one from each parliamentary group), the prime minister, the minister(s) responsible, the leaders of the parliamentary groups and/or their representatives, one MP from each parliamentary group and one independent MP (provided that there are at least ten) are allowed to participate. Former prime ministers or speakers of the parliament who have been elected MPs, may also participate in

4891-454: The right to assemble and the inviolability of the domicile. Furthermore, the constitution facilitated expropriation so that land be allocated to poor farmers, while at the same time guaranteeing judicial protection of property rights. Finally, it was the first time that the constitution made provision for mandatory and free education for all, while the process of constitutional revision was simplified. The constitution of 1927 made provisions for

4964-411: The second reading of the relevant articles, every special permanent committee can express its opinion on any specific issue that falls within its competence. If the bill passes the committee stage, it is sent to the plenary for debate. During the plenary session, MPs vote for the draft law or law proposal to become law ( Νόμος , Nomos ) in three stages: first in principle, where the bill's main theme

5037-406: The speaker a formal request. Voting takes place after the debate has finished with each MP expressing his preference by stating "yes", "no", or "present". In such cases, for the bill to pass, an absolute majority (50% plus one) is required provided that at least 120 MPs (two-fifths) vote in favour. Once the bill is passed, it is sent to the president of the republic to promulgate and publish in

5110-561: The statement according to Law 3213/2003 Greek Constitution of 1911 The Greek Constitution of 1911 was a major step forward in the constitutional history of Greece . Following the rise to power of Eleftherios Venizelos after the Goudi revolt in 1909, Venizelos set about attempting to reform the state. The main outcome of this was a major revision to the Greek Constitution of 1864 . The most noteworthy amendments to

5183-420: The total number of MPs (120 votes). If the issue relates to foreign affairs or national defense, the absolute majority of all MPs (151 votes) is required. Parliament decides on the deadline for the submission of the committees' report. Investigation committees are vested with all the powers of the investigating authorities and the public prosecutor. Should parliament decide to opt for a preliminary investigation,

5256-479: The vote, a bonus is distributed : The party list coming first with at least 25% of the votes would receive 20 extra seats, with one more seat for every half percentage point above 25%, to a maximum of 50 extra seats at 40% (or more) of the votes. Once this bonus has been attributed, the proportional distribution begins for the remaining seats, which can range from 250 if one party gathered at least 40%, to 300 if no party reached 25%. This 2020 law has been in effect since

5329-435: Was the restoration of the principle of popular sovereignty . In 1911, a revision of the constitution resulted in stronger human rights , the reinforcement of the rule of law and the modernization of institutions, among them the parliament. With regard to the protection of individual rights the most noteworthy amendments to the constitution of 1864 were a more effective protection of individual security, equality in taxation,

#514485