After the failure to secure the support of opposition parties on passing the security fund reforms, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is preparing his strategy for the tough battle ahead.
The meeting of political leaders proved fruitless with opposition representatives refusing to consent on the harsh austerity reforms, such as pension cuts and heavy taxation on farmers.
With only 153 lawmakers left in the SYRIZA-ANEL coalition, Tsipras is worried that he may lose more MPs during the crucial ballot in parliament that will take place before Christmas. If he loses the majority, his government will crumble and he will be forced to accept an all-party government.
Centrists Union chief Vassilis Leventis threw fuel on the fire by saying he knows of 11 SYRIZA lawmakers who will vote against the reforms. Speaking on ANT1 television, Leventis said he has information from inside the ruling party ranks that 11 MPs will not follow party line. However, he refused to give any names. The party leader reiterated that he is in favor of an all-party government.
According to information from the Maximos Mansion, the prime minister says the coalition government will pass the controversial bills using their own parliamentary forces. They believe that Saturday’s vote on the 2016 state budget will be crucial and most likely will be a show of strength for the government.
The SYRIZA Parliamentary Group will convene on Tuesday at 1:30 pm and Tsipras will give the opening speech. The prime minister will ask his lawmakers to express their views on the pending issues and follow the party line.
On another level, analysts say, Tsipras will send his fellow SYRIZA members the message that if they vote against the bills or abstain, they will be responsible for the consequences.
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