Socialist leader ‘optimistic’ of Greece coalition deal

It looks increasingly likely that Greece’s Conservative New Democracy will form a coalition government with the Socialist PASOK party after a successful re-election on Sunday.

Although talks to form an alliance are continuing, analysts say the two parties are likely to share power with the Democratic left. Following discussions, the Socialist leader said he was “optimistic” of a deal.

New Democracy’s Antonis Samaras says he’ll push for less punishing terms under Greece’s international bailout, a move which some say has usurped the radical left-wing Syriza party which campaigned to scrap the rescue package altogether. Its leader Alexis Tsipras has ruled out joining the coalition.

Party leaders don’t have long to agree terms. Yesterday Greece’s president gave New Democracy just three days to form a coalition before their mandate to rule would run out.

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