The interest of international press has been aroused by the municipal elections in Greece, with european newspapers pointing out that this is the biggest electoral test for the Greek PM, Antonis Samaras, since he took power. The municipal elections are also a barometer for european elections, as was noted by foreign media. At the same time, the possible scenarios of both municipal and european elections gathers the interest of several major investment houses.

It is significant that as the hours go by, more and more networks and news agencies make constant references to the “Greek ballot box”.

By far the most comprehensive publication for local Greek elections has been made by Reuters news agency. The agency stated that “Greeks vote today for the first round of municipal elections which is Antonis Samaras’ first electoral test since he came to power two years ago. The municipal elections which take place in Greece a week before european elections come at a time when Greece is awash with a feeling of chellenging the fragile government coalition which is fighting away both SYRIZA and Golden Dawn parties which seem to be reaping the benefits”.

French ‘Le Monde’ writes that: “Greece begins to vote in the first round of municipal elections, which hare a test for the coalition government of Antonis Samaras versus SYRIZA. The elections’ outcome is also a barometer for the elections of the 25th of May.

In terms of investment houses, the Royal Bank of Scotland now says that there has been volatility in recent weeks, but things remain positive for Greece.

Specifically, RBS says that growth means signs of improvement, however, the political risk rises anew, with the elections.

However, it adds that the chances for conducting national elections after elections are only 10-15%. It concludes that if a strong SYRIZA arises from the ballots, although there will be volatility in the market, the government will not resort to elections until the end of 2014.

Bank of America Merrill Lunch moves at a similar wavelength: They “see” a little different in the elections in Europe and the 2015 election on the occasion of the election of the President of the Republic.

Specifically, the BofAML warns that elections of May 25th are very important for Greece. On the other hand, the firm emphasizes the importance of elections for Greece should not be underestimated. “We believe that a negative result would be if Euro-elections raise the chances of premature national elections which will negatively affect the market, due to political uncertainty”, stated the analysts. They explain how such a scenario will unfold if SYRIZA wins by a wide margin. “Based on our review of recent polls, however, we believe that this is unlikely”, they stated.