Uneasy alliances point to runoff

As Greeks prepare to cast their vote in general elections on Sunday, none of the likely alliances that had been discussed in previous weeks between different parties appears feasible, making a runoff that much more likely.

Incumbent and poll favorite New Democracy is determined to achieve a clear lead on Sunday that will bring the formation of a single-party government in the runoff within reach. If this target proves elusive, the only option for the conservative party would have been a partnership with PASOK, polling in third place. Such an alliance now appears impossible and not just because the head of the socialist party, Nikos Androulakis, has repeatedly ruled out power sharing with ND head Kyriakos Mitsotakis or main opposition SYRIZA's Alexis Tsipras.

In the past few days, Mitsotakis has also expressed his opposition to such an alliance, in no uncertain terms. ...