Who would have believed it? Alexis Tsipras, Greece’s former head of state has proven his worth by returning his Syriza Party back into power. One month after dissolving the government and announcing new elections, Tsipras’ left wing party secured enough votes in Sunday’s elections to give it a 35.5 percent majority in the government, far ahead of the New Democracy Party that came in next with only 28.2 of the votes.
Tsipras has vindicated himself and can now go about rebuilding his country after its near collapse only several months ago. His Syriza party will form a coalition government of 155 seats with its old partner, the Independent Greeks which came in with 3.6 percent of the votes.
Tsipras Vindicated
Speaking to cheering crowds following 80 percent of the votes had been counted, Tsipras said that he had been given a clear, four-year mandate by the Greek people, but cautioned them that there were definite problems that lie ahead.
"In Europe today, Greece and the Greek people are synonymous with resistance and dignity, and this struggle will be continued together for another four years," Tsipras said, adding: "We won't recover from the struggle by magic, but it can happen with hard work."
This was the third time the Greek populace was asked to go to the polls —two elections and a referendum on the proposed bailout plan- and no one party was expected to come out with a strong majority. As expected, voter turnout was low.