3-Way Coalition Eyed in Greece

Greek New Democracy (ND) party leader Antonis Samaras (C) speaks to the media in Syntagma Square, in Athens 17 June 2012. Photo by EPA/BGNES

The potential of a three-way coalition has emerged in Greece, as conservative New Democracy, left-wing PASOK and the Democratic Left are poised to agree on the formation of a government on Tuesday.

Anti-bailout SYRIZA and Independent Greeks have rejected the chance to join the administration, Kathimerini informs.

Conservative chief Antonis Samaras has met with the leaders of all the potential coalition partners after receiving the mandate to form a government from President Karolos Papoulias.

On Monday, PASOK leader Evengelos Venizelos said that a coalition government is likely to be formed on Tuesday.

Greek voters went to the polls on Sunday following inconclusive elections in May.

With 99.9% of ballots counted, interior ministry results put New Democracy on 29.7% of the vote (129 seats), SYRIZA on 26.9% (71) and the socialist PASOK on 12.3% (33).

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