Greek election victor to hold coalition talks
Europe looked on with wary relief Monday as Greek conservative leader Antonis Samaras received a mandate to launch coalition talks after coming first in national elections that follow weeks of uncertainty over the debt-crippled country’s future in the continent’s joint currency.
The campaign was watched closely by global leaders and markets, while central banks stood ready to intervene in case of financial turmoil - as Sunday’s election was seen as a vote on whether Greece should stay among the 17 nations that use the euro.
A Greek exit would have potentially catastrophic consequences for other ailing European nations; the fallout would hit the United States and the entire global economy.
Leaders of the European Union appeared relieved that a pro-austerity government had a good chance now of being formed.