Athens, 22 April 2023 (dpa/MIA) - The dissolution of the Greek parliament began in Athens on Saturday in the run-up to parliamentary elections on May 21.

President Ekaterini Sakellaropoulou agreed to the move as requested by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, state television reported.

The step is a formality. Because the elections are to take place six weeks before the actual end of the legislative period, the legislature must be dissolved, in accordance with the constitution.

Two rounds of voting are expected in the elections because none of the parties is likely to achieve the absolute majority needed in the first attempt.

By bringing the date forward, the second round of the elections would not fall during the holiday month of August.

Photo: ANA-MPA