Greek lawmakers approved nine major constitutional amendments out of 49 proposed by all parties, but stopped short of separating church and state.
Under the amendments, lawmakers will no longer have immunity from criminal prosecution for criminal offenses and members of independent authorities will be elected by a three-fifths majority at the Conference of Presidents instead of the former four-fifths majority requirement.
In addition, citizens will be able to present up to two legislative proposals for discussion in parliament, provided they collect at least 500,000 signatures. These bills, however, cannot relate to issues of fiscal and foreign policy or defense.
Another approved amendment guarantees a minimum income for families «to ensure decent living conditions for all citizens.»
The revision of the constitution was launched by the previous left-wing SYRIZA administration in 2018 and included a proposal to separate the Greek state from the church – a move rejected by the ruling New Democracy.
On the other hand, «New Democracy» wanted to change Article 16 of the Constitution, which prohibits the operation of private universities, but this proposal was rejected by SYRIZA.
