Overview

Katerina Sakellaropoulou (Greek: Κατερίνα Σακελλαροπούλου), born 30 May 1956, is a Greek jurist and politician who serves as the 13th President of the Hellenic Republic. She was elected by the Hellenic Parliament on 22 January 2020 and formally took office on 13 March 2020, succeeding Prokopis Pavlopoulos. Her election marked the first time a woman has held the Greek presidency, a milestone in the country's modern political history. Greek name

Professional background and judicial career

Sakellaropoulou made her career in the administrative judiciary. Before entering the presidential office she was best known for her long service on the Council of State, Greece's highest administrative court, eventually rising to its presidency. Her work there dealt with constitutional and administrative law, judicial review of government acts, and important questions about the balance between state powers and individual rights. This legal experience shaped her public reputation as a careful, legally minded figure suited to a nonpartisan, largely ceremonial head-of-state role.

Election and assumption of office

The parliamentary vote on 22 January 2020 produced the required majority to elect Sakellaropoulou as president. The formal inauguration ceremony took place on 13 March 2020. Her predecessor was Prokopis Pavlopoulos. The presidential role in Greece is defined by the Constitution: the president represents national unity, ratifies laws and international treaties, and performs certain formal and consultative duties, while day-to-day governance is carried out by the prime minister and cabinet. Office of the President of Greece

Role and significance

Although the Greek presidency is mostly ceremonial, it carries symbolic weight and constitutional responsibilities at moments of crisis, political transition, or when the formation of governments is needed. Sakellaropoulou's appointment was widely seen as a signal about gender representation in public life and the value of legal expertise in a head-of-state role. Her tenure has emphasized constitutional norms, rule of law, and social cohesion.

Notable facts

  • Born 30 May 1956; long career in administrative law and the Council of State.
  • First woman to serve as President of the Hellenic Republic.
  • Elected by parliament on 22 January 2020; sworn in on 13 March 2020.

Sakellaropoulou's presidency is often framed in discussions about modernizing Greek public life, increasing the visibility of women in senior offices, and keeping a steady constitutional course during political and social challenges. For further official information, see relevant institutional pages and biographical sources linked by topic authorities. More on her name, presidential role, and her predecessor.