With more than 80 per cent of Greek votes now counted, the New Democracy party appears to have placed first in an election many considered a choice between the euro and the drachma.
With more than 80 per cent of Greek votes now counted, the New Democracy party appears to have placed first in an election many considered a choice between the euro and the drachma.
The world has been waiting on the results.
“The Greek people today voted for Greece to remain on its European path an in the eurozone,” said New Democracy Leader Antonis Samaras.
Reuters reports that the euro reached a one-month high on news that the country remains committed to currency that is shared by 17 countries.
German chancellor Angela Merkel called Samaras to “congratulate him on a fine result,” the New York Times reports.
James Kanter of the Times reports that European leaders will address the results at a news conference on Monday.
The president of the European Council issued a statement on the results:
“The Greek people have spoken. We fully respect its democratic choice. We are hopeful that the election results will allow a government to be formed quickly.
Today, we salute the courage and resilience of the Greek citizens, fully aware of the sacrifices which are demanded from them to redress the Greek economy and build new, sustainable growth for the country.”