Update: Greece to hold early election on Sep 20, according to govt official

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is expected to announce a snap election later on Thursday, state broadcaster ERT said, in a move to quell a rebellion in his leftist Syriza party after agreeing a new bailout for the country. 

PHOTO: REUTERS

AUG 20, 20158:39 PM

[ATHENS] Greece is likely to hold early elections on Sept. 20, a Greek government official told reporters on Thursday.

“The aim is to hold elections on Sep 20,” a government source said after Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met senior party officials and ministers to discuss the government’s next move.

Tsipras, who will resign later on Thursday, had been expected to seek early elections to quell a rebellion in his leftist Syriza party and seal support to implement a tough bailout programme.

REUTERS