Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-09-17

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Government re-elected in Sunday's elections, PM reaffirms commitment for reforms

[01] Government re-elected in Sunday's elections, PM reaffirms commitment for reforms

The ruling New Democracy (ND) party and prime minister Costas Karamanlis were easily re-elected in Sunday's general elections throughout Greece, posting 41.9 percent of the vote -- with 98.7 percent of results tallied at 8:56 a.m. Monday -- and a slim but working majority of 152 seats in the 300-member unicameral parliament. Main opposition PASOK party slumped to 38.1 percent and 102 seats, while the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) amassed 8.1 percent and the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) 5.0 percent, both nearly doubling their parliamentary showing with 22 seats for KKE and 14 for SYRIZA. Sunday's elections also produced a newcomer to parliament, which comprises five political parties for the first time, as the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party garnered 3.8 percent of the vote and 10 seats.

The total number of registered voters was 9,845,662 and voter turnout was 74.12 percent (7,298,088), with abstention at 25.88 percent. Of the votes cast, 96 percent were valid (7,103,645), 2 percent were invalid (147,298), and 2 percent were blank (47,145).

In a televised statement, Karamanlis said that people had provided him and his government with a clear mandate for a "new, more dynamic beginning".

Karamanlis added that he feels a "double responsibility" for making his government better and avoiding mistakes in the future; one that is more effective and closer to the citizens.

Less than a month after the devastating wildfires, a re-elected Karamanlis said all of the government's commitments towards the fire-ravaged areas and individuals will be met, while he insisted on adhering to a moderate political climate and avoidance of extremism and divisiveness.

"I would like to thank you (voters) for your trust. Today, you spoke and spoke clearly and loudly. You chose the path that the country will follow in the coming years ? You gave a clear mandate to ND to continue with changes and reforms that the country needs; a mandate for a new and dynamic beginning? I asked you to vote for stable government. This government now exists, it is the one backed by a social majority with a strong political volition, one accountable to its commitments," he said.

Additionally, Karamanlis said his government will emphasise efforts to fight poverty and maintain a stable economy.

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