Greek opposition holds narrow poll lead

Greece’s anti-austerity Syriza party is continuing to poll ahead of the ruling New Democracy party in advance of a snap January 25 general election, intensifying fears of a potential Greek exit from the eurozone
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SYRIZA (COALITION OF THE RADICAL LEFT)

Proposes tearing up agreement under which Greece received bailout loans worth $286bn from eurozone partners and IMF

Riding wave of popular discontent over tax increases and cuts to public spending, wages and pensions demanded in bailout deal

Party leader Alexis Tsipras wants Greece to remain in euro but aims to reduce debt burden by renegotiating terms of loan deal
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GREEK ELECTION RESULTS AND OPINION POLLS (%)

Jun 2012

Sep

Dec

Mar 2013

Jun

Sep

Dec

Mar 2014

Jun 

Sep 

Dec

20

25

30

35

40

New Democracy 30.5%

Syriza 33.8%

Latest poll data as of Jan 7, 2015

Top two parties shown

Jun 17, 2012 New Democracy wins general election

May 25, 2014: Syriza triumphs in European Parliament elections
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NEW DEMOCRACY

Main governing party of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras forced to hold election after Parliament failed to agree new head of state

Has implemented austerity programme tosatisfy international lenders and put Greeceon tentative path to economic recovery

Sees election as referendum on Greece’s future in eurozone, warning that Syriza’s demands for debt relief could lead to loss of financing and default 
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Source: Wire agencies

Pictures: Associated Press

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