Three are the basic principles that govern PASOK’s proposal for constitutional reform, as outlined by opposition leader Nikos Androulakis during his parliamentary speech.
The first encompasses modern individual rights for the new era with key pillars:
Combating discrimination and exclusion that remain in society. Explicit constitutional obligation of the state to protect against gender-based violence and femicides.
Securing modern digital rights.
Universal access to basic digital services.
Protecting citizens from digital manipulation and artificial intelligence abuse.
Constitutional guarantees of transparency, accountability and human oversight in artificial intelligence systems.
Technology must serve humanity and democracy – not operate against citizens’ freedom and autonomy.
Constitutional protection of consumer rights as a fundamental limit to private economic initiative.
The second principle concerns securing a strong welfare state and protecting public goods, where PASOK proposes:
Constitutional protection of the National Health System and equal access for all to health services.
Securing the right to affordable housing and enabling social housing policies. The state must have responsibility and guarantee equal access to this vital issue for social justice. Access to energy as a matter of social cohesion and national security.
Just energy transition with social character. Strengthening environmental protection and intergenerational justice.
Constitutional protection of water as a public good and human right.
The third dimension of PASOK’s proposals aims to create stronger institutions – more democracy and accountability through:
Freeing criminal investigation of political figures from parliamentary correlations. Strengthening judicial independence and changing the way its leadership is selected.
Constitutional establishment of the National Transparency Authority with responsibility for: controlling party finances, electoral expenses and asset declarations of political figures. Democracy cannot function under a regime of political self-control.
Constitutional protection of the “DIAVGEIA” transparency program, a breakthrough established by PASOK, so that no public act or decision involving budget burden produces legal effects unless previously published in DIAVGEIA. Transparency in media ownership and protection of pluralism. Because without independent and pluralistic information, democracy is weakened. Broad majority of 180 MPs mandatory in the second constitutional assembly.
Election of the President of the Republic with increased majorities and broader legitimation, to have the greatest possible legitimacy and acceptance. While maintaining disconnection of their election from parliament dissolution. We simultaneously strengthen the role of parliament and democratic checks and balances, as well as local government, with more administrative and economic autonomy. Power decentralization is not an administrative detail. It constitutes a prerequisite for democratic participation and effectiveness.
“The goal of the proposals we submit is: A Constitution that effectively protects rights. That reduces social inequalities. That effectively controls power. That responds to the technological and social challenges of our time. A Constitution of democratic deepening, social protection and institutional credibility,” emphasized Mr. Androulakis.
