Top Syriza candidate defects
A leading Greek leftist politician defected from the Syriza party yesterday, just days before an election in which it is likely to become the largest group in parliament. Corinth candidate Nikos Hanias hit out at the party in a letter, saying it is “gambling with our future, betting on the possibility that our creditors are bluffing.” The anti-bailout party has sworn to reject the country’s bailout package, though that risks Greece being forced out of the euro – something the party says it does not want. Hanias’ departure came as Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras ruled out forming a coalition with pro-bailout parties after Sunday’s elections. He said he would lead a government of the left against the austerity measures demanded by the EU and IMF.