Greek opposition seeks Papandreou’s ouster
Athens, Greece (AHN) – Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou’s political career is at stake following his controversial plan to submit the European Union (EU) debt deal to Greeks for approval in a referendum.
After incurring the ire of EU leaders who spent a week crafting the deal only to risk its disapproval by angry Greeks, the opposition in Athens is also now after Papandreou’s head.
Opposition leader Antonis Samaras led the call for Papandreou’s resignation as he called for a snap election. After making the call, Samaras and some MPs walked out of parliament.
Papandreou is scheduled to submit his party to a confidence vote on Friday. He has proposed a unity government after dropping plans to submit the EU deal to a referendum. Even within the Socialist party, Papandreou faced a rebellion because of the referendum plan.
Besides the internal problems, Papandreou would also have to grapple with the fact that his party holds a tiny majority with 152 out of 300 seats.
Papandreou insisted he is not keen on seeking reelection, but does want to focus his efforts on saving the country which is on the brink of a default had be submitted the EU debt deal to a referendum and lost the vote.
If Papandreou loses the confidence vote a likely scenario would be President Karolos Papulias bringing together parties to form a national administration under a new prime minister or invite the opposition to form a government.
Greek laws mandate the holding of an election after the ruling party loses a confidence vote.
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