Elections Possible After New Political Developments
Medium-term fiscal program may not even reach the plenary of the House for voting, as the Greek government is taken by surprise after several ruling party lawmakers stated that they will or may vote against the program. Now the government can only hope for 154 votes (from 160).
Moreover, LAOS leader Giorgos Karatzaferis said that the party’s 15 members of the parliament won’t vote for the new fiscal program, while Dora Bakoyanni implied that her party’s “yes” should be not taken for granted.
In this context, Prime Minister George Papandreou called for an extraordinary meeting with the President of the Republic, Karolos Papoulias, with three scenarios going around:
Firstly, to inform Karolos Papoulias on the graveness of the situation and either request a new meeting of political leaders or raise an issue of 180 votes for the passing of the program in a last effort for a national consensus.
Secondly, to make clear that he will launch elections, in a case of a new intraparty development.
Thirdly, to announce an immediate and broad reshuffle, involving technocrats in the new scheme.
According to senior government officials, the protests in Syntagma Square are expected to be crucial. Lawmakers of the ruling party PASOK stated that they would refuse to enter the House via the National Park “as thieves”. Opposition MPs are expected to share the same position.
Main opposition party leader Antonis Samaras is expected to retain his stance, against a “national consensus”, as the ineffectiveness of the medium-term fiscal program would plunge the country into a deeper recession, while government MPS appear reluctant to adopt their government’s policy, according to New Democracy officials.
(capital.gr)
***
Sempre caotica la situazione politica interna.