Dimitris Kammenos

Dimitris Kammenos, the outspoken former MP for the right-wing junior coalition partner Independent Greeks (ANEL), who was ejected from the party last month for defecting from the government line in a confidence vote, quit his post as parliamentary vice president on Monday.

The move, which was anticipated, paves the way for ANEL to appoint a new vice president to the House.

Only Aristophanes and Panos Kammenos could have made up a character like Panos Kammenos, our defense minister and governing partner of Alexis Tsipras.

The leader of the junior coalition partner Independent Greeks (ANEL) reiterated his intention to seek an increased majority for the approval the name deal with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and hit out at New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis and vice president Costis Hatzidakis for their criticism of comments made by European Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Pi

The approach taken by the government in the negotiations for the very sensitive issue of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, though not the most important problem facing Greece, was detrimental to national unity and continues to negatively affect the country.

Amid mounting concerns over the government's survival after repeated threats by Independent Greeks (ANEL), the junior partner in the coalition, to withdraw over the Macedonia name deal, government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos sought to reassure reporters on Wednesday that it will complete its four-year term in office.

In a statement on Tuesday, the office of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras indicated that the government would want to secure a broad consensus in Parliament following demands by junior coalition partner Panos Kammenos for an enhanced majority of 180 seats in the 300-seat House.

In comments on Tuesday responding to criticism by Defense Minister Panos Kammenos over the recent Macedonia name deal, Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias said the accord was "very good" and does not require an enhanced majority in Parliament as it does not compromise national sovereignty.

In a post on Twitter following calls by junior coalition partner Panos Kammenos for a referendum or elections to approve the Macedonia name deal, conservative opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakos indicated that Alexis Tsipras's time as prime minister would soon be up.

The absence from Μonday's cabinet meeting of Panos Kammenos, leader of the junior coalition party, Independent Greeks (ANEL), has further fueled speculation of imminent changes to the political balance.

Marking a potential crisis in the government, the junior coalition partner in the Greek government, Independent Greeks (ANEL) leader, Panos Kammenos said early on Tuesday that the Macedonia name deal is "bad" and can only be approved through a referendum or via elections.