Greek general elections awaited after Syriza trounced in Euro elections

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The 30th of June is seen as the most likely date for Greek general elections in the wake of a clear victory in European elections by the main opposition New Democracy party over the ruling Syriza party of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

The gap between first placed New Democracy and second-placed Syriza party is the biggest ever recorded in Euro elections in Greece.

"New Democracy will try to talk to all the citizens around Greece and remind them of our message, which is fewer taxes, more growth, more and better paid jobs and of course the restoration of a sense of safety."

Voters who spoke to Euronews said that recent handouts by the Prime Minister had backfired for the government and brought the opposite result.

"The last period, with all these handouts, was a boomerang (for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras). And generally, Tsipras did things that the Greek people did not like, such as northern Greece," one woman said.

"I believe because of the Macedonia issue, because he was punished for the memoranda, where others had prepared the ground. I didn't vote for him (Tsipras) last time, but I will vote for him now, because I think that he will now begin to govern," another woman said.

"The first thing that is needed is to unite Greeks, because at this moment I believe there is relative division and Greeks must unite so that they can face up to all the challenges that are coming and they will be very difficult," another man said.

The government's current term was due to expire in October. It is now said that the earliest a vote could take place would be June 30, to allow for preparations.

"Economy, unemployment and security are the issues that will probably dominate during the pre-electoral period. At the same time, citizens are very concerned about national matters like the tensions in the relations between Greece and Turkey," said Euronews correspondent Foteini Doulgkeri in Athens.