The result of the general election in Greece is unlikely to have a ‘domino’ effect on the rest of Europe, says a University international politics expert.
Dr Neophytos Loizides, of the University’s School of Politics and International Relations, suggests that the success of the radical left Greek party Syriza, which won the most votes (36.34%) in Sunday’s elections, is unlikely to be replicated in other countries.
He commented: ‘Syriza’s leadership aspires to an abrupt end to anti-austerity policies, creating a domino effect for radical change across Europe. But to do this it has essentially two choices: either reach a compromise with its European partners or face the prospect of a collapsing Greek banking sector. Worryingly, any compromise will have to be made in a matter of weeks, not months. The radical left is confronted with the tough realities of the debt crisis in its first hours in government and disappointment could be widespread.’
Dr Loizides suggests that the particular characteristics of Greece’s electoral system make it unlikely that other countries in Europe would see a similar far left victory. He said: Syria’s success is not only because of the socially devastating effects of an externally imposed austerity program. It is also down in part to the distortions of the Greek electoral system, which grants a ‘bonus’ of fifty seats to the largest party nationwide. This is a system that hijacks the democratic process.
‘Syriza’s early lead in the polls meant that the party could easily win between 140 to 150 seats, thus narrowing the options for coalition formation. Essentially, with only a third of the vote Syriza, could either win the elections or block the formation of a new government, thus eliminating any electoral chances for the incumbent government coalition.
‘These distortions are largely absent from continental political systems and where austerity policies are coming to their natural end in most countries.’
Dr Neophytos Loizides is a Senior Lecturer in International Conflict Analysis. Dr Loizides is the Associate Editor of Nationalism and Ethnic Politics and sits in the editorial board of Contemporary Southeastern Europe.