Greece's parliament on Monday failed for a third time to elect a president, an AFP count showed, forcing early elections in the coming weeks that could see a radical left party win power.
The government candidate fell short of securing the 180 votes required, and under the constitution parliament will have to be dissolved in the next 10 days.
Greek stocks plunged 11 percent after the vote, with fears that the anti-austerity Syriza party could undo many of Greece's economic reforms if it wins the election.
Greek media reported that the snap poll could be held as early as February 1.
In recent days, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble have warned the Greeks not to change course and abandon the reforms.
The European Union and the International Monetary Fund have overseen two massive international bailouts for Greece.
Opinion polls show Prime Minister Antonis Samaras' conservative New Democracy party trailing Syriza, which wants to renegotiate the conditions of the bailout.
But Syriza's lead has narrowed in the polls, indicating the party would not have a clear majority to form a government on its own.
Greece’s parliament on Monday failed for a third time to elect a president, an AFP count showed, forcing early elections in the coming weeks that could see a radical left party win power.
The government candidate fell short of securing the 180 votes required, and under the constitution parliament will have to be dissolved in the next 10 days.
Greek stocks plunged 11 percent after the vote, with fears that the anti-austerity Syriza party could undo many of Greece’s economic reforms if it wins the election.
Greek media reported that the snap poll could be held as early as February 1.
In recent days, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble have warned the Greeks not to change course and abandon the reforms.
The European Union and the International Monetary Fund have overseen two massive international bailouts for Greece.
Opinion polls show Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ conservative New Democracy party trailing Syriza, which wants to renegotiate the conditions of the bailout.
But Syriza’s lead has narrowed in the polls, indicating the party would not have a clear majority to form a government on its own.
