Political tensions peak ahead of vote on Novartis affair

Political tensions have peaked as MPs prepare for a vote in Parliament on Wednesday on whether to establish a parliamentary committee to probe the alleged bribery of 10 Greek politicians by Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis. 

A debate on the matter is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday with voting expected late at night. 

Parliament Speaker Nikos Voutsis has proposed that 10 separate ballots be held, one for each politician alleged to be involved in the scandal and the offenses they are accused of.

The suggestion has been rejected by the conservative opposition New Democracy and others who argue that the government is trying to put on a show to distract public opinion from the slow-moving negotiations on the Macedonia name issue and a spike in tensions in the Aegean.

Despite the objections, however, it is likely that 10 votes will be held, and it is...