Thursday, August 20, 2015

Greek Bailout: Alexis Tsipras to 'Step Down and Call Snap Elections'

Alexis Tsipras insisted that accepting tough reform demands
is the only way to ensure Greece remains in the eurozone.
THE GUARDIAN: Prime minister set to make imminent announcement, with 20 September predicted as most likely date for a poll

The Greek prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, has decided to step down and call snap elections for 20 September, government officials said.

As the debt-crippled country received the first tranche of its new €86bn (£61bn) bailout, Tsipras was set to make the formal announcement later on Thursday, government sources told Reuters.

Once he submits his resignation the prime minister would be replaced by the president of Greece’s supreme court, Vassiliki Thanou-Christophilou – a vocal bailout opponent – who would oversee the elections as the head of a transitional government. » | Jon Henley | Thursday, August 20, 2015