Prime Minister Antonis Samaras paid an official visit on Tuesday at noon to President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, in order to discuss the next steps for the country after the Greek parliament’s failure to elect Mr. Papulias successor yesterday.

“The big moment has come,” Mr. Papoulias said upon receiving the Prime Minister. Mr. Samaras gave the following reply: “The parliament is dissolved prematurely. The people didn’t want elections – they were driven to them for the sake of partisan interests. When it comes to the security of the nation, one realizes that an honest and responsible battle is required. In this battle the priority must not be the parties, but the nation, as Greece’s future in Europe depends on the outcome. We will fight with a sense of responsibility towards the future of our children.”

Mr. Papoulias replied: “I wish the best for our country.”

After the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Papoulias is expected to formally announce the dissolution of Parliament, which will trigger national elections, on January 25.
Prime Minister Samaras will also meet with ND’s Executive Committee today at 5.00 pm, to discuss the party’s strategy for the upcoming elections. According to associates of Mr. Samaras, there are three possible scenarios in relation to their outcome:

– The first is that New Democracy will win

– The second is that the ruling party will suffer a narrow defeat

– The third is that SYRIZA will win enough votes to form a government.

The Prime Minister’s associates characterized the last development as the worst case scenario, as it would allow the main opposition to fully implement its policies that would bring Greece in conflict with the lenders.