The crucial vote in Greece for the fate of the euro area

In Greece the anticipated legislative elections takes place today, considered to be crucial not only for the future of Athens in the euro area but also for the fate of the single European currency.

Great favourites are the Conservatives of the New Democracy, led by Antonis Samarras and the coalition of the radical left Syriza, led by Alexis Tsipras.

Elections take place after several weeks of petulance of the financial markets and the euro zone leaders that fear most of the rejection by the new Government of Greece, the austerity plan agreed with the international funders, with unpredictable consequences for the single currency.

Radical conservative right and left battle shoulder to shoulder in order to save the country from a deep recession.

The future of Greece will be written with the result of this ballot expected anxiously in Europe in particular, but also beyond.

Unofficial polls conducted in recent days indicates a minimal but steady advance of New Democracies in front of the coalition of the radical left Syriza, parties classified on the first two seats in the elections on May 6.

The leaders of the two parties were positioned in the electoral campaign on different positions, giving rise to polemics that will certainly reflect in the electorate's vote.

Antonis Samarras remains in favour of the agreement with the international institutions, announcing the intention to renegotiate certain chapters, while Alexis Tsipras stating firmly against the austerity policies.

At this time the decisive factor in the outcome of the configuration of the vote is about 700 thousand undecided accounting for nearly 10% of the electorate.

Political forces agree that in any case a third round of elections should be avoided.

What propose the favourites

Antonis Samarras, Conservative party, Nw Democracy, proposes to maintain agreements with the IMF and the EU. Samaras claims that it is needed the renegotiation of certain chapters and the budgetary restrictions imposed by supervisory institutions are an obstacle in the path of reforms.

Alexis Tsipras, Syriza, the coalition of the radical left, rejected the austerity measures. Tsipras says he will make the arrangements with the EU and IMF “to become history” and that the vote in Greece “it is not only in favor of the Greeks, but for all the European citizens”.

Translated by Anamaria Petrache
MTTLC, Bucharest University