Independent MPs take sides in Greek presidential election thriller

First entry: 10 December 2014 - 12:39 Athens, 10:39 GMT

Last update: 03:30 Athens, 01:30 GMTPolitics

Independent MPs take sides in Greek presidential election thriller
Greek independent MPs on Wednesday appeared divided in the stance they intend to keep during the election for a new president, a process that is scheduled to start on Dec. 17 in parliament.
The government on Monday announced it would bring forward the presidential poll to Dec. 17, proposing former EU Commissioner Stavros Dimas for the job.
According to the constitution, the coalition government, which has 155 lawmakers in parliament, needs to secure 180 votes to elect a new president and avoid calling snap general elections.
The success of the vote hangs on the stance held by the almost half a dozen independent lawmakers who may tip the scale in favour of the coalition.
Panagiotis Melas, formerly of the Independent Greeks (ANEL), indicated late on Tuesday that he took a positive view of Stavros Dimas' candidacy for president, when asked by reporters after the prime minister's announcement.
"I am moving in a positive direction," the MP replied in response to questions.
Earlier, another independent MP, Vassilis Kapernaros rejected the government's candidate saying it "changed nothing" with respect to his position, in a message posted on Facebook.
"I remain steadfast in my position. Nothing changes as a result of Stavros Dimas' selection. The rest are ...mere scenarios," he said.
Source: ANA-MPA