November 1st, 2011 The summary of events so far

Greek premier Papandreou’ s surprise decision to call for a referendum on the rescue package has been a watershed event for the already fragile Greek political landscape.

-One more PASOK MP, Milena Apostolaki, has gone independent, reducing government majority to 1.
-A handful of  MPs have declared that they will not vote for the referendum law.
-Vote of confidence is scheduled for Friday evening .
-Six important PASOK cadres (but, crucially, not MPS) have written an open letter calling for elections.”Pasok is no longer more than an empty shell ” they said
-There are reports of heavy infighting inside PASOK and a scenario of a party splitting in two (Papandreou vs anti-Papandreou faction) is no longer remote.
-The entire opposition, even political forces previously supportive of austerity, such as Dora Bakoyanni’s party, has called for early elections. Many PASOK members and even more opposition politicians are determined to scuttle plans for a referendum. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they will vote against the government on Friday. It just means the referendum plan looks more uncertain by the minute.
-The main opposition party still has the nuclear option: mass resignation of its 80 MPs, as well as replacements. This would force the government to call by elections in every major district. Conservative leader Samaras, emerging from a meeting with President Papoulias was evasive concerning this option
-There have been calls for a government of “national salvation”. Opposition will never accept to participate, unless there is a deal for new elections.

What to watch in the coming days:

The way the rebellion inside PASOK evolves. A crucial point is the stance of the “trio” of major ministers Diamantopoulou-Loverdos-Ragousis.

When is this all going to end?

Patience. It s only just started.
 
(TPP)