Greek politics are back in the spotlight Wednesday as lawmakers are set to vote on a second set of prior actions that would clear the way for formal bailout discussions to begin by the end of the week (see here [3] and here [4]).
Although the package is expected to pass with the help of opposition support, the vote is nonetheless an important indicator for the future of Syriza and for Tsipras' future as premier.
In short, if Tsipras' support within the party weakens further, it will have broader implications for how the political landscape will look once the bailout is official. The PM is expected to call a party meeting in September to discuss "the day after" (a reference to the fact that by then, Greece is expected to have formalized the third bailout). At that juncture, Syriza "will split in two groups, the followers of Tsipras and the leftist wing led by Lafazanis," one unnamed source told MNI on Tuesday.
Now, it looks as though Tsipras will look to call elections as soon as the third bailout is in place. From MNI, citing sources:
- TSIPRAS WANTS TO RESHAPE SYRIZA PARTY, MAKE "CLEAN START"- SRC
- GREECE TSIPRAS WANTS ELECTIONS AS SOON THIRD LOAN AGREED-SRC
- GREECE PM MULLS SEP 13TH OR 20TH FOR POSSIBLE SNAP POLLS-SRC
