Poll result sparks fresh fears for eurozone

The election in Greece of a radical party that wants to overhaul the country’s bailout programme raises new uncertainties for the eurozone. But several European creditor nations hinted they will seek a compromise deal to avoid disastrous scenarios, like Greece falling out of the euro.

Financial markets took in their stride the victory of the left-wing Syriza party after several leaders in the 19-country eurozone suggested they were open to discussing how to lighten Greece’s debt burden.

The country has since 2010 needed €240bn in loans from fellow eurozone countries and the International Monetary Fund to avoid bankruptcy.