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Greece scrambles to form government

2012-06-19 10 Dailymotion

Greek politicians are poised to form a coalition government on Tuesday, in a bid to resolve the political uncertainty that still hovers over the country.<br/> <br />It looks likely that the centre-right New Democracy Party and the Socialist PASOK party - both of which are pro-bailout and have dominated politics for decades in Greece - would share power with a smaller moderate left party, the Democratic Left.<br/> <br />The Democratic Left approves of the bailout agreement, but wants a number of elements of the austerity term renegotiated.<br/> <br />But here in Athens, one pensioner doesn't care who's in charge - she just want things to go back to normal.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) PENSIONER, CHRISAVGI PAPADOPOULOU, SAYING:<br/> <br />"We just want quiet, whatever government is formed, we just want peace and quiet, and people to be happy, that's all we care about, so we can go on living."<br/> <br />Another resident says partisan divisions must be ignored for the country to move forward.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) PRIVATE BUSINESSMAN, 43, FEDON KOKKIRAS, SAYING:<br/> <br />"From what it looks like it will be New Democracy, PASOK, and the Democratic Left. The good thing would be for them all to actively participate (with a significant presence). And God help them."<br/> <br />Many Greeks believe responsibility for the economic crisis - which forced EU and IMF bailouts in 2010 and again this year - straddles party lines.<br/> <br />Now, with Greece just weeks away from running out of cash, Greek political leaders appear determined to avert the deadlock that followed an inconclusive vote on May 6.<br/> <br />Travis Brecher, Reuters

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