Syriza lead over Greek conservatives narrows to three points: poll

[ellenrr]

Source: Reuters

Greek left-wing opposition party Syriza's poll lead over the ruling conservatives has narrowed slightly to 3.0 percentage points, according to a poll published after Prime Minister Antonis Samaras proposed a Jan. 25 parliamentary election.

The survey conducted by Marc for Alpha TV showed the anti-bailout Syriza party would get 28.1 percent of the vote if an election were held now, versus 25.1 percent for Prime Minister Antonis Samaras's New Democracy party.

Support for the co-ruling Socialists was 4.6 percent.

A poll by the same pollster published last week showed Syriza was leading New Democracy by 3.5 percentage points.

The poll was published hours after lawmakers failed to elect a president on Monday, triggering the dissolution of parliament and an election next month.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/30/us-greece-vote-poll-idUSKBN0K80F620141230

---

This could be big!
It is admittedly a very small lead, but what a statement if Syriza would win.

According to Amy Goodman on Democracy Now this morning, if they win, it would be the first time an anti-austerity party won in Europe.

Perhaps set the stage for a reversal of austerity policies all over Europe?

I know it would not be easy. Because "the powers that be" have the money and the arms and they will do anything to retain power.

Still, I am excited.

[brooklynite]

1. Anti-austerity is one thing--paying for it is another

It's easy to say "tax the rich", but Greece has been notorious for non-payment of taxes in all income groups. Increasing Govt spending with out collecting revenue could balloon their deficit and destabilize the economy.

[PSPS]

2. LOL. Yes! Of course! People must keep forgetting that!

[sabbat hunter]

3. Syriza might win

but then would struggle to form a coalition. If they get 28% that would be about 100-110 seats. 151 are needed for a majority. 27% for ND would be about 99 votes for them. That would leave 96 seats out there from various parties to try and form a coalition from.
We also have to hope that the Golden Dawn does not poll well, as that would make it even more difficult to get a working coalition. (and none of 3 major parties would hopefully have anything to do with them)