Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tspiras on Sunday called for an “immediate” confidence vote in parliament over the resignation of a top minister, after his coalition…
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tspiras on Sunday called for an “immediate” confidence vote in parliament over the resignation of a top minister, after his coalition government collapsed in a row over a name change deal with Macedonia.
The move raises the possibility of snap elections and came after Defence Minister Panos Kammenos resigned in protest over an agreement to end the 27-year Macedonia name dispute.
“We will proceed immediately to the renewal of the confidence in our government by the parliament in order to proceed with the major issues for our country,” Tspiras said.
Parliament speaker Nikos Voutsis suggested a debate on the confidence motion could start on Tuesday, with a vote on Wednesday night.
Tsipras’ leftist party Syriza has 145 deputies in the 300-member Greek Parliament but could win the confidence vote with just 120 votes if enough lawmakers abstain.
Kammenos, who is head of the nationalist Independent Greeks party (ANEL) which has seven MPs, said he was “sacrificing” his post over the Macedonia name issue.
