Greek PM Tsipras Resigns

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras declared on live broadcast on Thursday at around 9:00 p.m. that he has decided to call for snap election.

Tsipras will submit his resignation to the president on Friday night.

Tsipras going before the cameras as he learned that the 23 billion euros of the 86 billion euros worth bailout deal was released said, “I will go to the president to submit my resignation in order to form a stronger government. I am expecting your support as well for forming a stronger government” as he announced his resignation.

Quoting famous Turkish left-wing poet Nazım Hikmet, Tsipras added “Our best days have yet to be lived” in his statement.

According to Greek state channel, ERT, Tsipras called for a snap election because of the reactions emerging from his party, SYRIZA, and the election may be held on September 20.

What had happened?

SYRIZA emerged as the first party in the January 25 elections. Independent Greeks that oppose austerity policies agreed with SYRIZA on coalition.

As SYRIZA winning 149 chairs in the election has formed coalition with 13-chair Independent Greeks, a majority has been constituted in the 300-chair assembly.

However, Tsipras’ “austerity package,” which was approved by Eurozone finance and economy ministers at summit held by European Union Leaders and submitted to the Presidency of the Council of the EU, was met with reaction from his party and Greek public opinion.

The referendum to determine whether the government should accept the conditions imposed by creditors in exchange for resecuring cash-flow concluded with 61 percent majority voting “no.”

Afterwards, Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis resigned from his ministerial duty on July 6.

Greek Parliament approved the initial reforms proposed by Eurozone leaders in exchange for the 86-billion-euro bailout package on July 15. In the protests staged in front of the parliament building, 50 people were taken into custody. 

Greek Parliament approved the second reform package as well which Europe has laid down as a condition for the 86-billion-euro package to be discussed on July 23.

Tsipras in his statement prior to this vote reiterated his uneasiness as to the conditions imposed by the creditors but emphasized that there is no other way to remain in the Eurozone.  (AS/TK)

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