Poll After Greek Elections; No Party Achieves Absolute Majority

Reuters reported that a poll following the parliamentary elections in Greece indicates that the ruling conservative party, New Democracy, is leading in the general elections held on Sunday, but it appears unlikely to secure an absolute majority to form a government. According to Reuters, if the results of this poll are confirmed, the deeply divided political parties will have 9 days to find partners to form a coalition government. Meanwhile, if the Greek parties fail to reach an agreement to form a government, new elections will need to be held in about a month. Based on this poll conducted by six major polling organizations in Greece, New Democracy is projected to receive between 36 to 40 percent of the votes, followed by the leftist Syriza party with 25 to 29 percent. Elections in Greece are held every four years to elect 300 representatives. According to Reuters, the crisis related to rising living costs dominated the election campaigns, with various parties attempting to attract voters with promises of increasing the minimum wage and creating jobs. Rising prices have significantly impacted the lives of Greeks, and their living standards have declined due to a decade of debt crisis. Greece has allowed the gradual reopening of shops and businesses. The medical and healthcare staff in Greece went on strike for several hours. Notable events included protests in Greece and the presence of Pope Francis in Baghdad, as well as the passing of Mikis Theodorakis, the creator of the music for 'Zorba the Greek.'