ATHENS, Greece, Sept. 20 (UPI) — Greece’s left-wing Syriza party was victorious in snap elections Sunday, according to interior ministry data.
With 21 percent of votes counted, the party of former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras came out on top with 35 percent compared to New Democracy’s 28 percent. Without an absolute majority, however, Syriza will have to form a government with allies in other parties.
“The electoral result appears to be concluding with Syriza and Mr. Tsipras in the lead,” the BBC quoted New Democracy leader Vangelis Meimarakis as saying. “I congratulate him and urge him to create the government which is needed.”
Meimarakis previously said the Syriza party’s election in January had been a costly “experiment” for Greece.
Tsipras resigned last month and his party split after he signed with Greece’s creditors a bailout agreement that featured tax hikes and spending cuts rejected by 60 percent of Greeks — despite his pledges to the contrary in January.
The move, which Tsipras characterized as choosing his country over his party, ended Syriza’s ruling majority and prompted Sunday’s elections.
“The popular mandate we received has exceeded its limits and the public has to decide again,” Tsipras said at the time. “With your vote you will decide who will lead Greece, and how, on the difficult road that lies ahead.”
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