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Socialists Win Big in Greek Election

Left-wing government set for power as voters turn on conservatives

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 5, 2009 3:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – Socialists won a thumping victory in a snap Greek election yesterday as voters threw out a conservative government after corruption scandals and poor response to a string of devastating wildfires. The socialists won 43% of the vote, 9 points ahead of the ruling party, and will have an absolute majority in the new parliament. The incoming prime minister is George Papandreou, who has promised a stimulus package, public sector cuts, and a crackdown on corruption. Papandreou was educated in America and is said to speak better English than Greek.

Greek socialist party leader George Papandreou arrives to speak to supporters of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement after the party won in general elections.
Greek socialist party leader George Papandreou arrives to speak to supporters of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement after the party won in general elections.   (Getty Images)
The main opposition Socialists easily won Greece's parliamentary election yesterday as voters angered by a faltering economy and a string of scandals turned against the governing conservatives.
The main opposition Socialists easily won Greece's parliamentary election yesterday as voters angered by a faltering economy and a string of scandals turned against the governing conservatives.   (AP Photo/Angelos Tzortzinis)
The Greek socialists led by George Papandreou scored a resounding victory in yesterday's snap general elections.
The Greek socialists led by George Papandreou scored a resounding victory in yesterday's snap general elections.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
divetrader
Oct 5, 2009 11:45 AM CDT
Good for them! Power to the people!
Thinker
Oct 5, 2009 11:45 AM CDT
I hope the U.S. people see this and learn from the Greeks how to deal with corrupt, rich assholes.
mehrheit
Oct 5, 2009 11:37 AM CDT
So? Socialism? -- This is clearly Obama's fault.

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