Greek lawmaker alleges bribery attempt in presidential vote

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A lawmaker from a small right-wing party claims someone attempted to bribe him to vote in favor of electing Greece’s new president.

Actor Pavlos Haikalis of the Independent Greeks told a television program Friday he was offered a total of 2-3 million euros in cash, a loan repayment and advertising contracts. He did not identify the person, but said he had informed a prosecutor. It is the second such claim from an Independent Greeks lawmaker.

Bailed-out Greece is in the midst of a presidential election that could trigger early general elections, if the 300-member parliament fails to elect a president by the third round of voting on Dec. 29.

The sole candidate, nominated by the government, fell 20 votes short of the necessary 180 in the first round Wednesday.