Greek elections loom as talks collapse again
Greek politicians failed again last night to form a new government, increasing the likelihood of fresh elections next month.
President Karolos Papoulias hosted a meeting of the three largest parties’ leaders but could not build a deal between pro-bailout PASOK and New Democracy, and anti-bailout Syriza.
The two pro-rescue parties did offer to renegotiate parts of the deal with the EU, but failed to give enough guarantees to Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras.
“They are not asking for agreement, they are asking us to be their partners in crime and we will not be their accomplices,” said Tsipras, whose party has gained in the polls since the election eight days ago.
Papoulias also met the smaller parties including the Democratic Left who would be prepared to form a coalition with PASOK and New Democracy, but refuse to join unless Syriza also takes part.
“Despite the impasse at the meeting we had with the president, I hold on to some limited optimism that a government can be formed,” said PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos.
“The moment of truth has come. We either form a government or we go to elections.”