No end in sight for Greek coalition talks
Friday 11 May 2012
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EmailGreek politicians were locked in last-ditch efforts to form a coalition government today.
Right-wing poll topper New Democracy (ND) had hoped to ally with third place social-democratic Pasok and the small Democratic Left party of Fotis Kouvelis.
But Mr Kouvelis said today that he could not participate in a government with just the conservatives and centrists.
He insisted that any coalition must include election runner-up Alexis Tsipras, whose Radical Left Coalition won 52 seats.
"We have made our position clear. We will not take part in a government with only New Democracy and Pasok."
Voters punished New Democracy and Pasok last Sunday for their willingness to impose massive cuts on the country, deserting them for a myriad of smaller parties on the right and left.
The result left a hung parliament with no party able to form a government.
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