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Saturday, June 16, 2012

Dilemma for Greece as crucial election looms

Greeks appear to face choice of voting against austerity but leaving euro, or supporting party to keep them in currency.

French, German leaders hold 'fruitful' talks on Greece

French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday held "constructive and fruitful" phone talks on the crisis in Greece and the eurozone, Hollande's office said.

They exchanged "views on the situation in Greece, the preparations for a G20 summit and the next European Council meeting on June 28 and 29," a statement said.


Greek election: what could happen

The crucial vote could swing in several directions, from a Syriza-led radical coalition to political deadlock

Pro-reform parties win

The centre-right "pro-European" New Democracy party emerges as front-runner but there is no outright winner. It forges a "national salvation" government with the socialist Pasok party, which also backs reforms in return for rescue funds from the EU, ECB and IMF. The coalition commits to the conditions of the latest €130bn bailout and terms are eased. Short-term stability could lead to more prevarication by Germany's Angela Merkel in dealing with greater EU fiscal unity. By delaying the crucial decisions, the eurozone staggers towards the next crisis.

Likelihood 5 out of 10

Weak pro-Europe government

Reform-minded "pro-European" forces win power but by a slight margin. A government is formed, but is constantly undermined by anti-bailout far-left Syriza party which becomes bold as opposition grows on the streets. The government falls in the autumn when called to pass further belt-tightening measures. The EU, ECB and IMF are encouraged by some to turn off the cash tap at Greeks' failure to honour austerity pledges. A possible contagious collapse in confidence across Europe threatens UK with a two-year recession as trade with the continent dries up.

Likelihood 8 out of 10

Victory for radicals

Anti-austerity forces led by Syriza party emerge as the frontrunner. Syriza forms a government with Pasok and the Democratic Left. Another possible coalition partner is the populist rightwing Independent Greeks party after the orthodox KKE communist party rebuffs its overtures. Greece is on a collision course with foreign lenders as the government puts a brake on the EU-IMF dictated austerity and structural reform programme. Chaos erupts when creditors withhold loans and Greece is forced to declare bankruptcy. If Greece leaves the euro, Germany could be jolted into action and pursue fiscal unity in Europe, smothering any panic among other states. If the Germans don't act, it could lead to an economic armageddon.

Likelihood 5 out of 10

Political deadlock

Neither New Democracy nor Syriza win enough votes to form a coalition government. After weeks of negotiations, it is announced that fresh elections must be held. The ECB, IMF and EU have no one to negotiate with. A disorderly default is likely as creditors lose patience.

Likelihood 2 out of 10


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