Independent Greeks

Responding to claims by Independent Greeks leader Panos Kammenos that a mediator tried to bribe one of his MPs, Pavlos Haikalis, to vote for the coalition's candidate for president, New Democracy party secretary Andreas Papamimikos described the allegations as «a set up» and «a provocation,» adding that the alleged mediator in the affair was an adviser to the Independent Greeks leader.

At an emergency press conference on Friday, Independent Greeks leader Panos Kammenos backed allegations by his MP Pavlos Haikalis according to which a middleman tried to bribe the latter to vote for the coalition's candidate for president.

Former prime minister and New Democracy honorary president Constantinos Mitsotakis was to meet with President Karolos Papoulis at 2 p.m. on Friday after the former requested the meeting, citing rising concern over political upheaval as a second round of crucial presidential elections looms.

Independent Greeks deputy Pavlos Haikalis claimed on Friday that an unidentified individual tried to bribe him to vote in favor of the coalition's candidate in the first round of presidential elections earlier this week.

Former prime minister and New Democracy honorary president Constantinos Mitsotakis on Thursday issued a statement urging local parties to find some common ground and avoid leading the country to early general elections, after a first vote in Parliament for a new president was seen a poor result for the coalition forces.

Panos Kammenos, leader of the anti-bailout Independent Greeks party, on Thursday said he maintained his firm position of not voting in favor of Stavros Dimas, the coalition government's choice for president in the next two rounds of voting coming up on December 23 and 29.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is set to get personally involved in the process of trying to convince independent and opposition MPs to elect Stavros Dimas as president, Kathimerini understands.

Democratic Left (DIMAR) on Tuesday said that it will not be backing the coalition government's candidate for president in three Parliamentary votes expected to start next week.

The party, which split from the coalition last year, said in an announcement that it will not contribute to "the protraction of the political deadlocks being pursued by the present government."

Independent Greeks leader Panos Kammenos gave evidence on Thursday before prosecutor Panayiotis Panayiotopoulos regarding the party’s latest accusations regarding bribery of MPs.

“The justice system must be allowed, without interference, to complete its investigation,” he said after leaving the prosecutor’s office.

Independent Greeks MP Stavroula Xoulidou is to appear before a Supreme Court prosecutor on Thursday to answer questions regarding claims that she was offered a bribe to back the government's presidential candidate.