Support for the Greek government remains high

Articles, Internet, Newspapers & Magazines

The Political Barometer for June captures trends in Greek public opinion, as these have been shaped just a few days prior to the emergency EU summit called to discuss the issue of Greece. (The survey was conducted 11-17/6/15).

In this context, two findings are of particular importance. First, the fact that support within Greek society for the present government and the prime minister remains more or less unchanged. Second, according to several indices, public attitudes towards the issue of the country’s negotiations appear more solid.

Yes to negotiation, no to retreat, no to elections

Articles, Internet, Newspapers & Magazines

The radical change in the political climate ushered in by parliamentary elections on 25/1/15 continues, four months later, to determine the political scene and the relative strength of the parties. Despite the undoubted exacerbation of the social climate and, in particular, the worsening of expectations among households with regard to income and the outlook for the economy, the unprecedented – by Greek standards – post-electoral rallying of support for the new government remains strong (“rally around the flag effect”).

The social forces of the anti-Memorandum alliance

Articles, Internet, Newspapers & Magazines

Who voted for SYRIZA. Change in party support, 2012-2015

Between 2012 and 2015, voter support for SYRIZA grew markedly, by 9.4% (from 26.9% to 36.3%). In just two years, its electoral base had expanded by almost 600,000 to total over 2.2 million voters. But the variations in the social composition of the vote for SYRIZA, as revealed by the most recent election result, have greater political importance. For, as can be seen empirically, for the first time to such a degree, a broad social alliance has been formed against the policy of austerity.

From 2012 to 2015: Why ND lost the elections

Articles, Newspapers & Magazines

How the shift within the electorate was consolidated after European elections in 2014

The elections of 25 January, which ended the five-year cycle of the Memorandum period in Greece, are proving to be an event of historical importance for the domestic political scene, while their international resonance is no less significant. The “experimental” process of demolishing representative parliamentary democracy, which was attempted, has been suspended.

Battle for the election agenda. The trends within the electorate during the third week of the parties’ election campaigns

Articles, Newspapers & Magazines

The pre-election period is entering its final and most crucial week. During the past 10 days, New Democracy managed to shift the election agenda, assisted by the terrorist attack in Paris. The momentum generated by this development is recorded in a series of changes in the estimated voter support for the political forces.

Why New Democracy will lose the elections

Articles, Newspapers & Magazines

The forthcoming elections are of historical importance and will close the cycle of the Memorandum period in Greece. The elections on 25 January will register the reaction of Greek society to what it has endured for the past five years. The social dissatisfaction that has accumulated during the years of implementation of neoliberal policies has clearly (to every well-intentioned analyst) taken on the form of a strong and broadly diverse surge in electoral support for SYRIZA. The magnitude of this surge looks quite likely – today – to result in an albeit slim parliamentary majority.