Dissent within the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) government following the disastrous negotiations of Greece with its creditors has given rise to speculation and rumors of upcoming elections on September 13. The likelihood of a Greek reshuffle seems imminent following the sweeping number of SYRIZA MPs – 39 in total – that the bailout brought back from Brussels by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras at Greek Parliament on Wednesday. Rumors point to a likely date for new elections on September 13.
Major decisions will be postponed until after Eurozone’s finance ministers hold their teleconference on Greece on Thursday. The leadership would be interested in gauging the mood of creditors in the framework of the agreement with the opening of ELA so that funds could flow to Greek banks.
The replacement of Productive Reconstruction, Environment Energy minister Panagiotis Lafazanis, Deputy Social Security Minister Dimitris Stratoulis and Deputy Defense Minister Kostas Isihos is certain after all three expressed direct opposition to the government’s moves. Another gap has been created by the resignations of Nikos Chountis and Deputy Finance Minister Nadia Valavani on Wednesday.
Labor and Social Solidarity Minister Panos Skourletis is likely to succeed Lafazanis due to his opposition to the bailout’s conditions concerning his ministry. Alternate Shipping Minister Thodoris Dritsas will also be transfered due to his opposition to the further privatization of the Piraeus Port Authority.
