Monday, September 21, 2015

Tsipras Takes The Fifth

Greece's fifth national election in six years sees the Syriza Party victorious again in a sizable win, returning the recently ousted Prime Minister to power.

Alexis Tsipras has hailed a "victory of the people" after his left-wing Syriza party won Greece's fifth election in six years.

He said Greeks faced a difficult road and that recovery from financial crisis would only come through hard work.

The conservative New Democracy party earlier conceded defeat.

With 60% of votes counted, Syriza is projected to be just short of a majority but the Independent Greeks have agreed to join a coalition.

The latest figures give Syriza 35% of the vote, compared with New Democracy's 28%. The far-right Golden Dawn is set to be the third biggest party, with 7.1% of the vote.

Golden Dawn being in the running at all is a serious problem, as these guys are neo-Nazi skinheads with slightly nicer suits and a PR campaign.  They will cause problems for Greece and soon.

Mr Tsipras said his decision to call an early election was vindicated and that he had been given a clear mandate.

He told thousands of jubilant supporters in central Athens: "In Europe today, Greece and the Greek people are synonymous with resistance and dignity, and this struggle will be continued together for another four years.

"We have difficulties ahead, but we are also on firm ground. We won't recover from the struggle by magic, but it can happen with hard work."

Mr Tsipras was joined on stage by Panos Kammenos, leader of the the nationalist Independent Greeks, who also entered a coalition with Syriza after the previous election in January.

"Together we will continue the struggle we began seven months ago," Mr Tsipras said.

We'll see how long this particular government lasts, but I'm betting it won't be very long.  None of the rest have since Greece's economy tanked, and more austerity will only make things worse, not better.

No comments:

Related Posts with Thumbnails