Main Opposition Coalition of the Left SYRIZA Party leader Alexis Tsipras responded to the coalition government’s acquisition of a vote of confidence early on Saturday after three days of debate. Mr. Tsipras said that the vote “will not avoid what’s coming,” he said believing that the government’s downfall is only a matter of time. He also expressed objections to the level of discussion chosen by Prime Minister Samaras during the three-debate.
The result of the vote with 155 votes in favor and 131 against appeared to leave both sides satisfied. Mr. Samaras said that the vote of confidence allows him to continue his term of office until 2016.
On his part, Mr. Tsipras warned that the numbers aren’t enough as 180 will be needed in the upcoming presidential vote for a new president.
The general opinion following the vote of confidence is that Mr. Samaras bought himself some time to deal with challenges ahead, such as the upcoming vote on the 2015 draft budget and tough negotiations with the troika.
Nonetheless, Mr. Samaras conservative New Democracy is still behind the main opposition party in polls causing Mr. Tsipras to point to the possibility of early elections in March.
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