Greece has held its first elections since its economy ceased being under strict supervision by international lenders, with the center-right New Democracy Party of the current prime minister winning an impressive victory.
The result was a disappointment for the former left-wing Syriza party, with early exit polls showing that the party had secured between 9 points and 12.5 percent of votes. Meanwhile, the conservative bloc has been bolstered by a promise of business-oriented reforms and tax cuts, which have been popular among Greece’s middle classes. The prime minister has also vowed to boost investments and bolster employment.
The election was held under a new law of proportional representation, which makes it particularly difficult for anyone party to win enough parliamentary seats to form a government on its own. If a second election is held, likely in late June or early July, the law will change again, shifting to a system that rewards the leading party with bonus seats and making it easier for it to win a parliamentary majority.
