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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
New Democrats Keep Lead Over PASOK in Greece
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The ruling New Democracy (ND) party holds the upper hand before this month’s general election in Greece, according to a poll by GPO released by Mega. 36 per cent of respondents would support the ND in the ballot.
The Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) is second with 34.8 per cent, followed by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) with 6.5 per cent, the People’s Orthodox Alarm (LAOS) with 3.6 per cent, and the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYR) with 3.4 per cent. The early election is scheduled for Sept. 16.
In the March 2004 election, Kostas Karamanlis led the ND to victory, securing 165 seats in the Greek Parliament. PASOK had administered the government since January 1996. Current PASOK leader George Papandreou served as foreign minister under Kostas Simitis.
On Aug. 25, the government declared a nationwide state of emergency after a series of devastating forest fires broke out in southern Greece. Karamanlis suggested that arson might be to blame, saying the crisis "cannot be a coincidence." PASOK has pledged to donate 30 per cent of its campaign budget to the victims. At least 66 people have lost their lives in the fires.
On Sept. 8, Papandreou vowed to create an autonomous environment ministry and a separate body to deal with forest management. The PASOK leader also promised to establish a fair administration, adding, "Our budget will reflect our central commitment to the redistribution of produced wealth."
Polling Data
What party would you support in Greece’s next general election?
Aug. 28 | Aug. 22 | |
New Democracy (ND) | 36.0% | 36.2% |
Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) | 34.8% | 34.6% |
Communist Party of Greece (KKE) | 7.0% | 7.1% |
People’s Orthodox Alarm (LAOS) | 4.9% | 4.6% |
Coalition of the Radical Left (SYR) | 4.5% | 4.2% |