However, observers say it is unlikely that ND head Evangelos Meimarakis will be able to pull together a government, which would leave Greece on track for its second round of elections this year, most likely on September 20.
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Greece’s European creditors did not appear dismayed by Tsipras’ move, which was widely expected.
“If there are delays in the programme verification because of the snap election, there will be delays in payment”.
German chancellor Angela Merkel, who was on a trip to Brazil, said that Tsipras’s announcement of an election was part of the solution not the problem.
However, before a polling date can be set, other parties will be given three days to try and form a new administration without Syriza.
The conservative New Democracy party now has the mandate, which would pass to the next group if it was unsuccessful in its effort.
At least 25 dissident MPs opposed to bailout deal form their own movement after PM Alexis Tsipras calls snap polls.
Former energy minister Panagiotis Lafazanis, a vocal critic of the new bailout deal, will lead the new party. “We will continue to express the spirit and substance of the 62 percent who voted “no” to bailouts and a big “yes” to an independent, sovereign, progressive and just Greece“, he said.
Prime Minister and Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras stood down on Thursday, paving the way for new elections.
When Greece’s parliament voted on the package last week, Mr Tsipras had to rely on opposition lawmakers for the bill to pass.
Opting for a fresh election was seen as an attempt by Tsipras to face down the internal challenge by Syriza rebels and strengthen his position.
“Election campaigning may demonstrate ambivalence rather than “ownership” towards elements of the programme by the Greek authorities and electorate”, Fitch said.
Syriza members have argued that the party should aim for a majority, saying this would achieve the stable government which Greece has lacked through the past five years of crisis.
“Now that this hard cycle has ended …”
Tsipras insists he had to accept the unpalatable bailout terms to keep Greece in the euro, the EU’s common currency. Prime MinisterAlexis Tsipras called for new elections.
His volte-face has split the party and the elections will mean more short-term uncertainty.
“I want to be honest with you”.
Immediately after he addressed the public, Tsipras handed his resignation.
Giving a comment on the bailout Greece signed with European Central Bank, Giamali agreed that isn’t the best agreement for the unemployed, the working classes, the poor and the pensioners.
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He said Greece is obliged to fulfill the agreement but also to mitigate its adverse consequences.
