The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-03-09

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] To the Beat of the Carnival

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

This years carnival festivities are reaching their peak in several cities throughout Greece. It is the city of Patras, however, that holds the reigns of the frenzy beat of the carnival mood. Fifteen chariots and as many as 40,000 people are getting ready for the grand parade scheduled for 9pm (Greek local time) and the customary burning of the King of the Carnival. Carnival festivities will also take place in several Greek cities, including Athens, Xanthi, Naousa, Kastoria, Serres, Kozani and Trikala. In the meantime, the Varvakios Market will remain open until Monday noon.

[02] New Opinion Poll

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

An ALKO survey commissioned for Sunday paper PROTO THEMA has suggested that the ruling party of ND holds a 3.7% lead over the Socialists. The two political party system has been given a negative rating, while the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) keeps scoring high. When it comes to voting intention, the Conservatives is 26.9% ahead of the Socialists, who received 23.2%. SYRIZA trailed with 17.3%, KKE (Greek Communist Party) with 7.3% and LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) with 4.5%. The majority of the respondents (59.8) believe that the two political party system will keep deteriorating, as opposed to 30.1% that think that it is just temporary, while 56.7% of the participants champion a coalition government. At the same time, a resounding 76.4% claim that the Socialist Party cannot revive with George Papandreou at his helm. Asked whether SYRIZA head Alexis Tsipras would keep his impetus, 48.7% said "yes" compared to 38.8% who think otherwise. In his interview with Sunday paper Typos tis Kyriakis, the SYRIZA President termed a possibility of a non-independent government in the forthcoming elections as positive, arguing that it is the independent governments that have harmed Greece.

Translated by Areti Christou

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article