Greeks relieved by vote, doubt new coalition will last

[steve2470]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/18/greece-public-mood-idUSL5E8HIFZM20120618

ATHENS, June 18 (Reuters) - Austerity-weary Greeks expressed relief on Monday that their votes have shown the outside world they want to stay in the euro, but many doubted the next government could solve their country's huge problems - or even last more than a few months.

In the cafes and squares of Athens, people hoped for a brief respite from the chaos after the narrow victory in Sunday's election of conservatives, who want to secure Greece's future in the euro by largely implementing a bailout deal under which the EU and IMF have demanded punishing austerity policies.

"I'm pleased because the Europeans will see that we want to stay in the euro," said 70-year-old pensioner Leon Antonakis. "The problem is, what happens now? Who will be able to live up to their demands?"

The second election in less than two months divided Greeks between those largely willing to accept the austerity measures to avoid the risk of Greece leaving the euro zone, and those ready to risk all by voting for the radical leftist SYRIZA party that wants to tear up the bailout deal.