Greek coalition crisis talks on state TV closure collapse, threatening government
Source: Washington Post
The fate of Greece’s shaky coalition government is hanging in the balance after crucial talks to end a major disagreement over the closure of state TV collapsed late Thursday.
Conservative Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ surprise move last week to save money by shutting down ERT broadcaster — with the loss of all 2,656 jobs — sparked protests in Greece and abroad, and angered both his center-left allies.
After a first two rounds of negotiations this week, the three parties seemed headed for a compromise that would stave off early elections just one year into the government’s four-year mandate. But the talks broke down during the third meeting Thursday, and it was unclear just how severe the rift is.
Samaras convened an urgent meeting with senior Cabinet aides, while Socialist Pasok head Evangelos Venizelos and Democratic Left leader Fotis Kouvelis consulted party officials.
Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/greek-coalition-crisis-talks-on-state-tv-closure-collapse-threatening-government/2013/06/20/43635c50-d9ee-11e2-b418-9dfa095e125d_story.html
Greek Socialist chief Evangelos Venizelos on Thursday warned the country's ruling coalition was in trouble after failing to find agreement on the shutdown of the state broadcaster and called on the other junior partner to stay in the government.
"The situation for the country, the economy and its citizens is especially grave," said Venizelos, head of the PASOK, the second-biggest party in the government.
"We want the government to continue as a three-party government and we are asking Democratic Left to participate in reestablishing cooperation."
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/20/us-greece-leaders-idUSBRE95J15V20130620
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22997822
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