SYRIZA’a gradually declining MP numbers in the Greek parliament, something that became even more evident during the voting on August 14 during the vote of the terms for the 3rd ESM bailout agreement, forces Greek PM Alexis Tsipras to take the political initiative.

The positive outcome of Friday’s Eurogroup meeting, which approved the Greek rescue plan, the 3rd one so far, has given Tsipras some leverage to pursue his next moves. The government has gained some ‘breathing space’, before the first review of the implementation of the plan by the EU institutions,which is  expected to take place towards the end of October, giving it time to normalise the political and economic situation in Greece.

What has become apparent is the Tsipras cannot continue to govern, especially in light of the harsh measures he is compelled to adopt. Within this framework, government sources have made it clear that the Greek PM will call for a vote of confidence in parliament on August, thus throwing down the gauntlet at the dissenters in his party. The same sources, including spokesperson Olga Gervovasili insinuated at snap elections from the assembly’s podium, Friday. The Left Platform, led by Panagiotis Lafazanis voted against the 3rd memorandum in Friday’s plenary session.

If Tsipras loses the vote of confidence his options boil down to either forming a ‘special cause government, which would include all parties currently backing the 3rd bailout plan, or he will call early elections in September. So far, developments show that the Greek PM will opt for the second choice, in order to clear up the volatile political scene in Greece. A new fresh mandate by the electorate will reflect the new emerging political balance of power in Greek society after SYRIZA’s political U-turn on the memoranda.