After a historical victory in Sunday's general elections, the progressive party reached an agreement with the Independents (right-wing) to form a coalition government. Independent leader Panos Kammenos announced on Monday that his party and the winner of the parliamentary elections, Syriza, had reached an agreement, after meeting with its leader Alexis Tsipras. “From now on, the country has a government. We, Independent Greeks, decide to rely on the first minister Alexis Tsipras,” stated Kammenos. The president of the country will swear in the prime minister at 4.30 p.m. today, local time, and confirm the announcement. The Independents mainly align with the anti-austerity position of radical-left Syriza, however they support right-wing measures regarding immigration and religion. Liberal party To Potami allegedly refused to join the coalition because of the presence of the Independents, reported Spanish daily El Mundo. On Sunday, Syriza won over 36 percent of the vote and 149 seats, despite the campaign of fear against them, claiming that a Syriza victory would mean bankruptcy and chaos in the country. The party missed out on an absolute majority by two seats, making it necessary to form a coalition government. |
