Interim Prime Minister Panagiotis Pikrammenos said the referendum suggestions were "over now" and the party was moving forward. Picture: AFP Source: AFP
- Greek parliament, elected May 6th, formally dissolved
- Decree follows anger over suggestions over referendum
- "The issue is now over," said Greek interim Prime Minister
GREECE'S parliament was formally dissolved and fresh elections called, a day after politicians in Athens reacted angrily to an alleged suggestion by the German chancellor that a referendum should be held asking whether Greeks want to stay in the eurozone.
A Presidential decree on formally dissolved the short-lived 300-seat parliament, which was elected on May 6, and called a fresh election for June 17.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has denied widespread reports that she suggested a referendum on the Eurozone should be held at the same time as parliamentary elections, during a telephone call on Friday with Greek President Karolos Papoulias.
Nevertheless, Greek politicians rejected the suggestion angrily, with many calling it an inappropriate attempt to interfere in domestic affairs.
"The issue with Merkel is over and we now look forward to the next meeting in Brussels on May 23," said Greek interim Prime Minister Panagiotis Pikramenos.
The June elections are an effort to end political deadlock. The May 6 poll failed to produce a majority government and political parties then failed to form a ruling coalition.
Pikramenos, 67, the head of the Council of State, was appointed on Wednesday to lead a 16-member caretaker cabinet, which will see Greece through to the next election.
The cabinet, made up of university professors, diplomats and former ministers, has only administrative functions and cannot take any internationally-binding decisions.
The political vacuum has raised fears of a Greek exit from the Eurozone.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/newscomaumostpopularworldndm/~3/cuLpPzmeAZM/story01.htm
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