With many having viewed the government’s social welfare handouts as a signal of possible early elections, a new poll prepared by ALCO for News 24/7 gives conservative main opposition New Democracy a 6.7 percentage point lead over ruling Syriza, when the data is extrapolated to predict final voting behavior.

In the survey, conducted with telephone interviews of 1,000 voters between 15-18 December, New Democracy garnered 26.8 percent, Syriza 20.1 percent, centre-left Movement for Change 9.3 percent, Golden Dawn 7.1 percent, and the Greek Communist Party (KKE) 6.2percent, and Syriza splinter party Popular Unity 3.1.

The survey follows previous ones in showing that Syriza’s coalition partner, Defense Minister Panos Kammenos’ Independent Greeks, cannot enter parliament with its 2.5 percent, below the mandatory three percent threshold. The same stands true for Vasilis Leventis’ Centrists’ Union, which garners only 2.5 percent as well.

The poll found that 17.4 percent were undecided.

The same survey found that about 50 percent of respondent approved of the government’s firm response to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s demands and claims against Greece.

On another issue that has preoccupied public opinion, 64 percent agree with the government that judges should file property and assets declarations just as all other civil servants.

Half of those surveyed oppose early elections, and 47 percent of those surveyed said they think the government will not call elections in 2018.

in.gr

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