Greek politics

Syriza backing strengthens in Greece

A new survey indicates that Greece's radical left Syriza party, which opposes the loan-dependent country's bailout commitments, has regained the lead in opinion polls ahead of crucial national elections on June 17.

SMH,

31 May, 2012

The VPRC poll for Epikaira magazine published on Wednesday gives Syriza 30 per cent of the vote, followed by conservative pro-bailout New Democracy at 26.5 per cent.

While Syriza would lack enough seats to govern alone, it could form a coalition with the expected backing of two more anti-austerity parties.

Syriza, the surprise runner-up to New Democracy in the inconclusive May 6 election, came second to the conservatives in five polls published since Sunday.

If Greece reneges on its international bailout commitments, it could see the vital loans dry up, enter a death spiral and eventually have to abandon the euro.