Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-05-11

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou proposals for Constitutional revision

[01] Papandreou proposals for Constitutional revision

Papandreou's 10-point proposal includes: decentralisation of the government and a new tax framework for the allocation of funds to local government; enabling citizens to play a more active role in developments through referenda; a change in the election system; strengthening the role of Parliament; promotion of "participatory democracy"; ensuring immigrants' and foreigners' social integration; separating the role of Church and state through dialogue; ensuring state universities' competitivenss internationally; ensuring a higher standard of living for all in order to curb poverty and social marginalisation; as well as allowing a direct general vote for president of the republic, thereby taking away the election of the head of state from Parliament deputies.

Papandreou also criticised Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, questioning his credibility and his intentions regarding the revision issue.

He said that the revision should discussed outside the framework of political parties but by the citizenry as well, adding that PASOK will begin a wide-ranging dialogue to this end.

PASOK's committees, chaired by high-ranking MP Theodoros Pangalos, will formulate the party's final proposals.

ANA-MPA photo / K. Mavrona

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