Pro-bailout party set to rule in Greece

18/06/12 01:03 CET

world news

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Antonis Samaras is set to become the new prime minister of Greece. The 62-year-old’s New Democracy party achieved the highest percentage of votes in Sundays election, beating the radical left Syriza party into second place.

The leader believes it was a clear endorsement for the country to remain in the eurozone after speculation this second election in six weeks could lead to Greece returning to the drachma.

“Today the Greek people expressed their will to stay anchored with the euro, remain an integral part of the eurozone, honour the country’s commitments and force their growth. This is a victory for all Europe. I call upon all political parties that share those objectives to join forces and form a stable new government,” he said.

Reaction was swift. It’s reported German Chancellor Angela Merkel phoned Antonis Samaras to congratulate him on his “good result”. A statement from the White House said: “We believe that it is in all our interests for Greece to remain in the euro area while respecting its commitment to reform.”

More about: Austerity, Euro in crisis, Greece, Greece general election, Greece politics

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