The Syriza party has won elections in Greece for the second time in a year, returning Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to power.
Although the Syriza Party failed to win a clear majority, they are expected to form a coalition government after winning 35% of votes cast.
Alexis Tsipras resigned seven months into his four year tenure after it seemed as though he had lost the support of his parliament with some members of his party defecting, causing the Syriza Party to lose its majority. Alexis Tsipras came to power on a wave of popular support, insisting that Greece would not accept tough austerity measures from the Eurozone.
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However, just shortly after winning the election, Greece suffered a default in their loan payments and were faced with the tough decision of either leaving the Eurozone or accepting a third bailout from the Eurogroup.
Despite his campaign promises, Alexis Tsipras accepted a third bailout with even more stringent conditions. Tsipras told his supporters after winning fresh elections, “I feel vindicated because the Greek people have a clear mandate to carry on fighting inside and outside our country to uphold the pride of our people,”
“In Europe today, Greece and the Greek people are synonymous with resistance and dignity, and this struggle will be continued together for another four years.
“Together we will continue the struggle we began seven months ago,”
Syriza polled 35.5 percent of the votes cast, winning 145 seats in the 300-member parliament, followed by the conservative New Democracy with 28.3 percent and 75 seats and the Golden Dawn in third place with 7 percent and 18 seats.
Voter turnout was low, with just about 55% of Greeks coming out to vote.