Greek King’s Powers Cut

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31729, 12 July 1968, Page 11

Greek King’s Powers Cut

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) ATHENS, July 11. The Greek, leader, Mr George Papadopoulos, today set a new draft Constitution before the nation which severely cuts the King’s powers and places controls on the press.

The Athens News Agency reported that the draft, replacing the 1952 Constitution, maintains the status of Greece as a Crown Parliamentary democracy but sets up a national council whose advice the King will have to take before making any major decisions.

Under thep resent Constitution. parts of which were suspended after the April, 1967, coup which led to King Constantine fleeing into exile in Rome, the Monarch wielded sweeping powers. He previously could appoint a Prime Minister of his own choice, and dissolve Parliament.

As head of the armed forces he was also able to make key military appointments and in moments of national crisis frequently played a decisive role.

The proposed Council of the Nation would replace the

Crown Council. The news agency, ANA., said the draft also stipulated that the Regent—appointed after the King fled the country—would continue to exercise his duties until Parliamentary elections were held, “unless the Government decides to invite the King to return to Greece before then.’’ The new Constitution implements an old provision on press freedom by stating that the press performs a public mission and this implies privileges and responsibilities. Under the draft, it is considered an offence to attack the Church and Monarch, to undermine the armed forces, to assist in activities for the overthrow of the State, to propagate illegal views, and to promote outlawed organisations. It contains a provision stating that a law will be passed in relation to the finance of newspapers.