Today Brings Local Greek Elections

Almost ten million citizens are likely to vote in 325 municipalities, regarding mayoral and town council posts, in thirteen regions. A scheduled run-off vote is set for May 25th. The elections are extremely competitive this year, due to Greece's financial crisis that has affected the nation in recent years.

As reported by Kathimerini, 45-year-old mother of two Vaso Stathakou declared: "I'll vote for Golden Dawn or Syriza. Why vote for those who have robbed us? My husband's salary has shrunk to 600 euros, I'm out of work and my young son got a night-job for 400 euros to help us out...It's not a matter of ideology, I don't give a damn about their politics. My message is clear and I'll use every opportunity to send it: Get out!".

It is widely believed that an unstable Hellenic governmental structure or the desecration of a New Democracy led nation, could result in the dismantling of its frail economy that is just starting to improve. Recent polls reveal SYRIZA's lead over the reigning party.

Aticca Bank's wealth management director Theodore Krintas described, "To asset managers looking at Greece the vote is an event surrounded by uncertainty, hence the volatility...The uncertainty is due to the fact that the vote has been played up domestically as crucial to stability. Markets will reassess the situation after the vote."

According to Reuters, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras urged voters to support his party, and stated yesterday: "There is a very specific dilemma in Athens...Are we going to leave the city in idleness and to those who want anarchy or will we unite our forces so that no vote is lost and Athens pushes ahead?".