Samaras warns MPs of dangers

Samaras also called on all deputies to consider their responsibilities and not lead the country to a national adventure.

“There will be no ‘present’ votes but votes with names,” warned the Prime Minister Antonis Samaras immediately following the second round of voting for the election of a new president of the republic.

The government gained the support of an additional 8 independent MPs from the first round with the final tally being 168 in favour of the government’s candidate Stavros Dimas. 131 ‘present’ and one MP absent.

The results leave the government with the challenge of finding an additional 12 votes prior to the final round of voting on December the 29th in order to elect a new president and avoid snap elections.

The Prime Minister gave an early indication of the tone his party is likely to strike over the coming critical days saying, “Every MP will come face to face with the worry of the Greek people in the third round of voting for the President of the Republic.”