Greek Prime Minister Calls for Early Elections Following Resignation

Alexis Tsipras, the Prime Minister of Greece, submitted his resignation along with that of his cabinet to Prokopis Pavlopoulos, the President of Greece, and called for elections to be held as soon as possible. According to Reuters, Mr. Tsipras stated during a meeting with the President on Thursday evening, August 29, that the current parliament cannot form an inclusive government or a national unity government. Alexis Tsipras faced severe criticism from some of his party members following the acceptance of a third financial bailout package for Greece, which includes €86 billion in financial aid to Athens, leading to a withdrawal of their support for his cabinet and causing Tsipras's government to lose its majority in parliament. French news agency AFP reported, citing the Greek news agency 'Athens', that parliamentary elections in Greece are expected to be held on September 20. The report also referenced a televised speech by Mr. Tsipras that took place hours before his meeting with the President of Greece. In this speech, he stated that he intends to report to the Greek people everything his government has done so far so that they can decide once again. The Associated Press also reported on this speech, stating that Tsipras defended his government's negotiations with lenders and claimed that Greece secured the best possible deal under the current circumstances. However, international lenders provided this €86 billion loan on the condition of severe spending cuts and tax increases, measures that Mr. Tsipras protested during the elections last winter and promised to avoid if he won. Nevertheless, Alexis Tsipras emphasized that this financial bailout package was a 'necessary choice' for Greece. During the approval of this bailout package in the Greek parliament, more than 40 of Mr. Tsipras's party members did not vote in favor. In this context, the International Monetary Fund issued a new warning regarding Greece's situation, the Greek government ordered the reopening of the country's banks, and the Greek parliament approved the necessary reforms for financial aid.