More Greeks Are Content with Karamanlis

[Otto]

June 12, 2006

(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Public support for Kostas Karamanlis increased this month in Greece, according to a poll by VPRC released by SKAI Radio. 49 per cent of respondents think Karamanlis is the most qualified person to serve as prime minister, up five points since May.

Karamanlis led the conservative New Democracy (ND) to a victory in the March 2004 election, securing 165 seats in the Greek Parliament. The Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) had administered the government since January 1996. 27 per cent of respondents would prefer current PASOK leader George Papandreou—a former foreign minister—as head of government.

On Jun. 2, Karamanlis expressed satisfaction with his tenure, declaring, "The country is very close to its fiscal targets. It is maintaining steadfastly one of the highest growth rates in Europe and, in parallel, unemployment decreasing considerably."

On Jun. 7, Papandreou said PASOK has "an even greater obligation" of emerging victorious after the next election, adding that the Parliament would then have "the right to revise the constitution."

Polling Data

Who is the most qualified person to govern Greece?



Jun. 2006


May 2006


Apr. 2006

Kostas Karamanlis (ND)


49%


44%


43%

George Papandreou (PASOK)


27%


27%


27%

Neither / Other


20%


22%


25%