Alexis Tsipras: “The people gave a clear mandate for us to continue to battle in and out of the country”. Alexis Tsipras has hailed a “victory of the people” after his left-wing Syriza party won Greece’s fifth election in six years.
He stated that 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.
The ‘snap’ election was called after Syriza lost its majority in August. This followed the signing of an unpopular new financial bailout deal with international creditors. Turnout in this poll was just over 55%, down from 63% in January and low by Greek standards.
Tsipras stated that 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.
Source: BBC
