Greek premier unveils constitutional reform proposals

ATHENS, Greece – Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras has unveiled constitutional reform proposals that would make consultations by referendum easier, strengthen the largely ceremonial presidency somewhat and limit lawmakers’ consecutive terms to 8 years.

Tsipras announced Monday that the revision process would start with a wide consultation in all municipalities, a process not envisaged by the Constitution itself. Normally, revisions of the Constitution are handled only by the Parliament.

The revised constitution would enshrine proportional representation, ban the privatization of water and electricity, call for wages to be determined solely through collective bargaining and allow the Greek President a greater say in challenging the constitutionality of laws.

The revision proposals envisage that agreements, such as the Greek bailout deals, would have to be approved in referendums.