Greek conservatives win
By Andrew Borowiec
September 17, 2007
Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, with his wife, Natassa, waved yesterday to the supporters of the New Democracy Party. Mr. Karamanlis recognized a "clear mandate ... to continue changes and reforms" after the socialists conceded defeat.
NICOSIA, Cyprus — Conservative Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis won a second term in Greece's parliamentary elections yesterday, but his party will have a slimmer majority in parliament.
Mr. Karamanlis declared victory after his main opponent Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) party leader George Papandreou, conceded defeat.
"You have given a clear mandate to New Democracy to continue the changes and reforms which the country needs," Mr. Karamanlis said, referring to his party, in a televised address to the nation. "I will do my utmost to honor your confidence as prime minister of all Greeks."
The election results indicated New Democracy would win enough seats in the 300-member parliament to form a governing majority after the elections.
With 94 percent of the votes counted, New Democracy party was ahead with 42.2 percent, while PASOK had 38.2 percent.
New Democracy was likely to win 153 of the 300 seats in parliament, compared to 165 in the outgoing legislature, the results showed. PASOK looked set to win just 103 seats in parliament — the lowest number it has held since 1977.
Mr. Karamanlis, whose party was dogged by its poor response to the wildfires that killed 65 persons and ravaged whole villages last month, had warned that if his party failed to win a decisive majority, he would call new elections.
Mr. Papandreou, in a final attempt to capitalize on the fires, had pledged to name an environment-conscious Cabinet.
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