Greek Politics
Opposition parties' stance on president provides gov't with little hope so far
Despite earlier speculation that Democratic Left (DIMAR) might disband so its members could join SYRIZA, the one-time coalition partner decided late on Wednesday that it would not make such a move. DIMAR also reaffirmed its decision not to vote for presidential candidate Stavros Dimas, making the chances of him being elected slimmer.
Could Democratic Left (DIMAR) hold the key to the Greek presidential election result?
In what could be a very tight presidential election, the role of one-time coalition partner Democratic Left (DIMAR) will be crucial.
All the numbers that matter in the Greek presidential election
The government’s surprise announcement on Monday that it is bringing forward the presidential election by two months marks the start of a desperate scramble for the votes of independent and opposition MPs that will determine whether the coalition survives or whether Greece heads for early national polls.
Samaras, Venizelos opt for earlier presidential vote in high-risk strategy to save coalition
The government has decided to move forward by around two months the presidential vote in Parliament, with the first roll call ballot taking place on December 17, followed by the second three days later and the final round on December 29.
Machinations give both coalition and SYRIZA hope of winning presidential vote
The almost daily headcount of Greek MPs ahead of February's presidential elections is continuing to give a conflicting picture about how events may play out early next year.
Samaras finger wagging at troika a sign of pressure on Greek government
Prime Minister Antonis Samaras took the unusual step of criticising the troika on Tuesday, an indication of how frustrated the government feels as it is squeezed between lenders’ demands and domestic political pressures.
Tsipras remains sketchy on coalition options, negotiating positions
SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras gave on Monday his first televised interview since his party’s victory in the European Parliament elections but provided little new information regarding to his intentions for governing.
Two more parties prepare to step onto overcrowded Greek political stage
The fragmentation of Greek politics shows no sign of abating: The creation of another two parties – on opposite sides of the political spectrum – has been announced.
Tsipras shuns growing calls for compromise on presidential vote
Despite a flurry of calls for the government and the opposition to come to a compromise over the presidential candidate, putting an end to speculation about early elections, SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras made it clear over the weekend that his party is in no mood to compromise.
New bribe claims likely to poison Greek politics further ahead of presidential vote
Fresh claims of attempts to bribe opposition MPs ahead of February’s presidential vote have surfaced in Greek politics but there are doubts about whether they are well-founded and if they will have any discernable impact.