Greece

First presidential vote a litmus test for government

The first of possibly three presidential ballots will take place on Wednesday evening, with the government expecting its candidate, Stavros Dimas, to receive at least 161 of 300 MPs’ votes, which will be well short of the 200 needed to be elected but a basis for the coalition to work from for the final ballot on December 29, when 180 votes will be required.

Fire breaks out at Greece’s tallest building

A fire that broke out Tuesday afternoon in the tallest of the two blocks that comprise the Athens Towers complex in the neighborhood of Ambelokipi, near central Athens, caused a panic among residents and office workers but was brought under control by fire service workers before it could cause any significant damage or injuries.

New poll gives SYRIZA 4.9 pct lead over New Democracy

A new poll published on Tuesday, a day before Greek lawmakers start the first round of crucial voting to determine whether Parliament will elect a new president or whether the country will head to general elections, showed opposition SYRIZA gaining a 4.9 percent lead over New Democracy, the larger of the two parties co-governing Greece.

Bonds rise for the first time in 10 days

Greek 10-year yields fell from near the highest since September 2013 after Finance Minister Gikas Hardouvelis said a deal with creditors was possible in January if Parliament elects a president this month.

The rate tumbled 34 basis points to 8.81 percent. The rate on three-year bonds declined 87 basis points to 10.26 percent after reaching a record 11.13 percent last Friday.

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