The main opposition party SYRIZA is preparing to take an initiative with huge political risk, by announcing its plans to request a referendum in Parliament in order to cancel a bill that has been passed.
SYRIZA’s claim is in compliance with the provisions in article 44, paragraph 2 of the Constitution, which states that two fifths of lawmakers in Parliament (120 MPs) must support such a motion. Aside from its own 71 MPs, SYRIZA will have to seek out support from a further 49 MPs.
After a clear victory in the recent local government and European elections, SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras wants to capitalize on his party’s increased popularity and demonstrate its ability to play a critical role in political developments.
If Mr. Tsipras is successful in his bid to cancel the coalition government’s controversial privatization bill, he will highlight his party’s ability to trigger general elections by blocking the election of a new President.
