Troubles for government ahead of EU presidency

Mr Samaras has already been forewarned by foreign leaders not to use the Greek presidency to further the Greek causes, such as easing of reform and austerity measures for Greece, but rather to make the best to further European affairs, especially in light of elections for European parliament slated for May, but the problems at home may hobble his efforts for an effective presidency.

But it is the other pillar of the government that is in more trouble. Polls show, PASOK sliding even further in voter preference, despite the message of strength, its leader Evangelos Venizelos attempted to highlight at the party's Central Political Committee session on Sunday.

"Without PASOK, there is not exit from the crisis, nor the legacy created by the sacrifices of the Greek people", Venizelos said adding that the main priority is the country to recover its national dignity and sovereignty as it is coming out of the crisis. "It is not an issue of national security, but economic strength, national independence and development are the fundamental factors of sovereignty," he reported by AMNA.

Mr Venizelos said that the people do not want elections, adding to this his certainty that the surplus will stabilize, the economy will grow, and banks will be restructured. However, members of his party chewed out their president for the party's slipping ratings and the fact that it's seen as a weak prop for a much stronger ND in the government. Others, like Thanos Moraitis wanted a re-establishment of the party and the whole center left. In all, Sunday's session that the junior government partner is in growing disarray.

But premier Antonis Samaras is faced with a number of conundrums, not least of which is the slim majority, which, after Saturday's vote and the striking off lists for ND deputy Vyron Polydoras, now stands at 153 deputies. Of these several are very disgruntled at being forced to vote bills, like Saturday's foreclosure bill, which are deeply unpopular.

In an article in the Berlin daily Taggespiele, Gerd Hohler, notes the slim majority and the dangers it poses for the government's continued presence, after Mr. Polydoras' dismissal from the party.

The headaches for Mr Samaras are also multiplied by the rise of SYRIZA in the polls, which is now seen as clearly ahead in latest polls with 22.5% as against 17.6% for New Democracy, and Golden Dawn now firmly in third place.