Greek coalition talks restart without main opposition party

Talks are under way on the formation of a temporary coalition government in Greece to ensure the country does not go bankrupt in the next few weeks, a spokesman for the ruling administration has claimed.

However, the main opposition party said it is not part of the discussions.

Government spokesman Elias Mossialos told state television that talks have begun and that the name of the new prime minister should be known by Monday, in which case the incumbent prime minister George Papandreou would resign.

But Mr Mossialos later told reported that his remarks regarding a new premier expressed “a personal wish”, and are not an official announcement.

Conservative opposition leader Antonis Samaras is meeting with Greek president Karolos Papoulias, but his party denies any talks are under way with the Socialists.

Mr Samaras also reiterated his stance that Mr Papandreou must resign before any coalition discussions can take place.

The opposition leader made his latest comments after a brief meeting with President Karolos Papoulias, a mainly ceremonial figure who has called for collaboration between the two main parties.

The political crisis puts into jeopardy a new bailout package of €130bn, agreed on October 27.

Greece’s EU partners and creditors are pressing Mr Papandreou and other political leaders to form a coalition government, following the Greek leader’s aborted attempt to call a referendum on the acceptance of the new package.

Mr Samaras’ party has denied any talks were taking place “either in the open or behind the scenes”.

Mr Papandreou has promised to work toward a caretaker coalition government which he will not lead. It was only this promise that allowed the government to survive the confidence vote.

The Socialists and the main opposition New Democracy differ on the duration of such a caretaker government, with the opposition demanding elections within a few weeks and the government saying the coalition cabinet should last through the end of February.