DOMESTIC POLITICS: Pasok emerged with a resounding victory over the incumbent centre-right New Democracy (ND), with 43.9% support compared with 33.4% for ND. Under Greek electoral law, Pasok was awarded 160 seats in parliament, thereby gaining an absolute majority. The election in October was a serious defeat for ND, which has never before posted such poor results. Exasperated by ND's policy paralysis, the government's embroilment in various corruption allegations and the economy's rapid deterioration, many voters supported Pasok because it was seen as the only alternative to the status quo. Although Pasok led opinion polls in the run-up to the elections, over half of respondents claimed that they did not think the socialists were ready to return to government.

Source: Greece: Country outlook

Source: Country Forecast Greece May 2009

Source: EIU Country Data