Atheist Prime Minister wants ‘Religious Neutrality’ in Greece

By C Barnett --
03 Nov 2018 --

Tsipras wants the will of ordinary Greek citizens to play a part in the government

Alexis Tsipras, the Greek Prime Minister, has outlined his proposals before a review of the Greek Constitution is scheduled to take place.[/tweetit] The Prime Minister of Greece has made it clear he wants the Greek state to adopt a strict "religious neutrality" stance. To the surprise of political observers, he was confident the church will agree to his proposal. His logic behind the rationale is that the church is sufficiently mature and has the wisdom to put its relationship with the state on a rational basis. The PM, however, did not elaborate on the new relations which may be in place between the two.

Atheist Prime Minister wants ‘Religious Neutrality’ in Greece[/tweetthis]

In his meeting with the SYRIZA parliamentary group, Tsipras reminded them that it is high time Greece's Constitution sets in stone the religious neutrality principles which are the bedrock of modern Greece.

Tsipras was emphatic about his proposal for making the proportional electoral system a reality. He asked for a "constructive vote of no confidence.” He said the institution will make it harder to submit it. The prime minister also voiced his intention to push a proposal which will need anyone who holds the prime ministerial post to be an elected one. This will result in not repeating any political situations where unelected people have become leading to the unnecessary fracas. There are a number of other proposals as well, among them allowing the general public to ask for referendums relating to vital national issues. The public can also have a say on voted bills.

The Greek opposition is in arms against this proposal. The New Democracy party, a conservative group, has accused Tsipras of taking advantage of constitutional review to divert attention from his government's failings. Religious leaders and hardcore conservatives have already blamed him for wildfires which took place in Athens. They subscribe to the view that his godlessness has begun the fires. It was thus a shock to many when the political leader put forward the view that the church will see reason.

A number of religious and conservative Greeks were extremely nervous with Tsipras' electoral win. He said no to any religious oath, a sacrosanct duty in a country which continues to be highly influenced by the Greek Orthodox church. They thought he was a radical atheist who would proceed to destroy all kinds of faith. Tsipras simply wants Greece to enjoy reasonable policies for all Greek citizens to enjoy.