text: Greek president dissolves parliament for snap vote . ATHENS 1996-08-23 Greek President Costis Stephnopoulos signed a decree on Thursday ordering the dissolution of the 300-seat parliament ahead of snap elections on September 22 . " The President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos signed the decree for the dissolution of parliament , " a presidency statement said . Socialist Prime Minister Costas Simitis announced the snap poll on Thursday citing problems with the economy , the country 's convergence with the European Union and tense relations with neighbouring Turkey . Elections were originally scheduled to be held in October next year .