Democratic Left Quits Greek Coalition Govt - Friday June 21,2013

Democratic Left,the smallest party in Greece's ruling coalition pulled out of the government on Friday after a row over the abrupt closure of the state broadcaster, leaving Prime Minister Antonis Samaras with a tiny majority in parliament.

Democratic Left lawmakers voted to withdraw their ministers from Samaras's government but have yet to decide whether to offer external support in parliamentary votes to keep Greece's international bailout on track, party officials said.

In a written statement, the leader of Democratic Left, Fotis Kouvelis, said that Greece “does not need elections” and that his party “strived and will continue to strive to ensure the country remains in the European framework.” 

Note

• The Hellenic Parliament(Unicameral) is the Parliament of Greece which has 300 Members,elected for a 4-year term

• 151 Seats are required for majority

• The June 2012 election result featured New Democracy(ND) as the largest party, with 30% of the votes and 129 seats (including the 50 extra seats for coming first). 

• The second party was theSyriza Unionist Social Front(SYRIZA) with 27% of the votes and 71 seats.

• The third party was the Panhellenic Socialist Movement  (PASOK) with 12% of the votes and 33 seats. 

• The other parties that won seats were-

             Independent Greeks (ANEL) with 20 seats
             Golden Dawn (XA) with 18 seats
             Democratic Left  (DIMAR) with 17 seatsand
             Communist Party of Greece(KKE) with 12 seats

• A new unity government comprising ND, PASOK and DIMAR was formed for a planned 4 year term, with Antonis Samaras appointed to be the new PM of Greece