Monday, May 14, 2012
PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos, on May 12, returned the mandate to form a government, after failing to secure the support of coalition partners. Upon that, Hellenic President Karolos Papoulias invited the leaders of the parties that polled in the first 3 positions, in the May 6 elections, for deliberations on the formation of unity government. Talks however, foundered on disagreements between the parties, with second Syriza refusing to condone "a government that would implement the Memorandum" -although the party’s participation in such a unity government is considered a prerequisite by the others.
Papoulias then had a series of one-to-one meetings with Panos Kammenos, leader of the Independent Greeks, Communist Party (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga and Chrysi Avgi (Golden Dawn) leader Nikos Michaloliakos - none of which sought a part in a unity government. He also met with Democratic Left President, Fotis Kouvelis. Deliberations are to resume this evening.
