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Greek elections: Pessimism prevails

Greeks go to the polls in a snap general election, but most feel hopeless about a better future.

The election is expected to bring in a government led by the left-wing Syriza party.
By Dimitris Sideridis
Published On 25 Jan 2015

Athens, Greece – Greece’s economy has shrunk by some 25 percent in recent years in its most severe crisis since the fall of the military government in 1974.

Thousands of businesses have closed, wages and pensions have been slashed, and unemployment among young people is more than 50 percent.

Sunday’s election is expected to bring a government led by the left-wing party Syriza, which has pledged to take on international lenders and roll back devastating austerity measures.

But many Greeks expressed hopelessness regarding the election outcome and prospects of economic recovery.

Syriza promised to roll back austerity measures imposed during years of economic crisis.
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Syriza led its campaign with the slogan 'Hope is coming'.
Syriza has received support from organisations and trade unions across the EU, with people from Italy and other European nations joining their last campaign rally.
Gregory T, 34, is unemployed. He said nothing will change in Greece after the elections.
Thodoris, 23, is an undergraduate student, and makes a living as a waiter. 'I think we will see a slight improvement in the political environment, but I don’t believe elections will bring major changes.'
Three out of four polls showed Syriza widening the gap over the center-right New Democracy party of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.
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During his campaign, Samaras warned that a Syriza government will bankrupt Greece.
While Syriza is expected to win the most seats in parliament, it is likely to form a coalition with one or more of the smaller parties.
Polls are due to close at 5pm local time, with the first exit poll expected immediately after voting ends.