New Greek Elections Following Opposition's Rejection of Coalition Formation

Two main opposition parties in Greece rejected today, Tuesday, the mandates offered to them to form a coalition government, paving the way for a second election in June. Alexis Tsipras, leader of the leftist Syriza party, and Nikos Androulakis, head of the socialist Pasok party, returned the mandates presented to them separately by President Katerina Sakellaropoulou. A second vote is scheduled for June 25, when the party winner's bonus system will come into effect, potentially granting the New Democracy party a majority in Parliament to govern alone. The opposition parties do not have enough seats to form a ruling coalition without New Democracy's participation. President Sakellaropoulou will now appoint a transitional government. According to electoral rules, the winner of the second vote, following inconclusive first elections, will receive 20 additional seats in Parliament if they secure 25 percent of the votes, and up to 50 additional seats if they achieve around 40 percent.