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Greece holds elections on May 21 amid growing polarization

Greece holds elections on May 21 amid growing polarization

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that the next national election will be held on May 21, but analysts are divided on whether a coalition government can be formed in the first round and whether a second round will be needed.

The first round will be based on a proportional system and in the second round – expected on July 2 – the parties will have to reach 37-38% of the votes to form a majority government, Euractiv reports .

According to polls, the conservative New Democracy (EPP) and the main opposition party Syriza (EU Left) are in a neck-and-neck race. In third place are the Greek Socialists (Pasok), who are expected to play the role of the king.

New Democracy aims for a one-party government and opposes coalitions. The conservative party has even said it will go to a second round until a majority is formed.

On the other hand, both Syriza and Pasok say that the coalition government should be formed in the first round.

Some analysts say current polls suggest there will be a deadlock while others insist a progressive government could be formed on May 21.

Progressive forces are considered to be the main left-wing opposition party Syriza, the Socialists, the Communist Party (KKE) and the left-wing DiEM25 of former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis. All are expected to pass the 3% threshold to enter parliament.

Syriza has expressed its hope to lead such a government. However, other progressive forces are at odds with each other.

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