Thirteen ND members say "no"

A serious problem has arisen due to the fact that many ND MPs refuse to vote for the new Troika measures package, even though ND President Samaras raised an issue of party discipline and warned that those that will differentiate themselves from the party line will not be candidates with the party in subsequent elections.

So far, those who will not vote on the second Memorandum are: Kostas Markopoulos, Christos Zois, Margaritis Tzimas, Maria Kollia Tsarouha, Panayiotis Melas, Spiros Galinos, Dimitris Stamatis, Kostas Papasiozos, Giorgos Vagionas, Zisis Tzikalagias, Dimitris Dermetzopoulos, Giorgos Vlahosand Michalis Papadopoulos, while Kostas Tzavaras, Kostas Gioulekas and Kostas Mousouroulis are still uncertain on how they will vote.

At the same time, there is intensified opposition from the organized trade union base.

The large number of leaks negates the ND president, who attempted to present his party as the only political force not breaking down. There are rumours that the number of “blue” members who disagree will increase until tomorrow’s House vote.

Mr. Markopoulos’ defection caused a sensation, especially as he is the parliamentary spokesman of the party and is close to Mr. Samaras.