In three days, the people of Greece will head to the polls to elect a new government. The Unitary Republic’s “Snap Elections” is expected to take place on July 7, earlier than the previously slated October date, after the incumbent leader, Alexis Tsipras, bowed to pressure to hold early elections.
After the restoration of its democracy, the Greek party system was dominated by the liberal-conservative party, New Democracy, until the outbreak of the debt crisis in 2009.
In Sunday’s election, Alexis Tsipras who led the leftist political party, Syriza, to victory in 2015, will contend against his main threat, the conservative leader of the New Democracy party, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Both men have strong political histories and remain positive that the votes will be in their favour, despite several suggestions that the New Democracy party may lead the polls.
Since assuming office in January 2015, Tsipras has faced backlash over poor policies to manage the country’s long decade of economic and political turmoil. Although unemployment rates were said to have decreased from 28% in 2013 to 20% currently, the youth population and middle class in Greece continue to struggle amidst slow economic recovery, refugee influx, and taxes that were imposed as part of the bailout program in 2015.
In true politicking fashion, Kyriakos Mitsotakis has assured his followers these taxes will be reduced once he comes into office.
A report published by the BBC suggests that the opposition will most likely have the backing of the country’s large youth population, who make up about 40% of the unemployed populace and want better economic opportunities. Greece reportedly has the highest youth voting participation in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) especially as its legal voting age is Seventeen.
However, it is important to note that Mitsotakis may not have an easy victory against Alexis.
According to TRT, “If European, regional and local elections –all of which took place on May 26– are an accurate gauge of voters’ sympathies ahead of the upcoming national vote, New Democracy will likely lead the next government.”
Still, Reuters’ opinion polls seem to suggest that a clear winner may not emerge, even though Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ Syriza party will most likely have a bleak end.
Tsipras and his team, however, seem to be unperturbed about public opinion. “You have to consider that people vote quite differently in a general election from the European one, and quite often they don’t bother to vote. It’s not over until the fat lady sings —and that hasn’t happened yet.” His campaign spokesperson, Effie Achtsioglou, the minister of Employment and Social protection, told the Financial Times.
Tsipras insists a Mitsotakis win will put the country in further economic jeopardy.
The 300-seat parliament has since been dissolved in preparation of this historic event for the Republic of Greece.
