Greek PM Proposes Ministers Cannot Serve in Parliament

Mitsotakis calls for constitutional change to separate executive and legislative branches.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:55pm

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A solitary figure stands in front of a grand, classical building, the Greek Parliament, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood.A pensive moment outside Greece's legislative halls as the country debates a proposal to separate executive and legislative powers.Athens Today

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has proposed a constitutional amendment that would prevent government ministers from also serving as members of the Greek Parliament. The proposal aims to create a clearer separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of government.

Why it matters

This move by Mitsotakis is seen as an effort to address concerns about potential conflicts of interest and to strengthen Greece's democratic institutions. The proposal has sparked debate about the appropriate balance of power between the prime minister's cabinet and the country's parliament.

The details

Under Mitsotakis' proposal, government ministers would be required to resign their parliamentary seats if appointed to the cabinet. This would prevent individuals from holding both executive and legislative roles simultaneously. The prime minister argued that this change would help ensure greater accountability and transparency in the Greek political system.

  • Mitsotakis announced the proposal on April 6, 2026.

The players

Kyriakos Mitsotakis

The current Prime Minister of Greece, leading the center-right New Democracy party.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure a clear separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches. This proposal will help strengthen our democratic institutions.”

— Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece

What’s next

The proposal will now be debated in the Greek Parliament, where it will require a supermajority vote to amend the constitution.

The takeaway

Mitsotakis' proposal represents an effort to reform Greece's political system and address concerns about potential conflicts of interest. If enacted, it could have significant implications for the balance of power between the prime minister's cabinet and the country's parliament.