Government appears optimistic for the 180, although most admit that under the present conditions, the calculated MP’s that will vote for president for certain is not more than 174 to 175.

However, the government decided to play all cards by choosing  to start the parliamentary procedure for the election of the President of the Republic on the 17th of December, just a day before the European summit which will “lock” the agreement with partners and creditors of the country.

The government attempts in that way to reduce the intense political uncertainty caused by the pending presidential election and which made partners reluctant in compromising  through a two-month extension of the European economic program decided by the Eurogroup.

After the first voting on the 17th of December and if as already expected, the 200 necessary votes in favor of one candidate are not gathered, the process will be repeated five days later, on the 22nd of December. If the results remain the same then a third and final one will take place for 180 MP’s.

In case that the necessary votes are less than the 180 requested then the Parliament  will be dissolved before the end of the year and the most likely election date is Sunday the 25th of January.