Impasse Forces Early Greek Elections

“Greece will go to snap elections early next year after the government failed Monday to get its presidential candidate elected, thrusting the country into fresh political uncertainty,” the Wall Street Journal reports.

“The result raises the stakes for Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, whose last-minute attempt to convince lawmakers to back his candidate fell short of the mark even after he offered concessions in an attempt to swing independents.”

Washington Post: “The elections were set in motion when parliament failed — for a third time — to elect a new president. The position is largely ceremonial in Greece, but the impasse reflected the deep divisions over the tough economic stewardship imposed by the European Union and international lenders.”