Syriza takes power in Greece

For the first time in a good number of years, we have a far-left government in the EU. Syriza capitalised on hostility against the austerity imposed on Greece; but the question is now how well they (and their very unlikely coalition partners) do in office.

If they succeed, other left-wing parties may head down the same track. If not, it will be a big blow for everyone who is unhappy about the impacts these bailouts have had.

Greece exit poll

Based on the exit polls and assuming that New Democracy comes first, it should be able to form a coalition with PASOK with just an overall majority.

Assuming it comes first.

France and Greece

The election results in France, where Socialist François Hollande won on an anti-austerity platform against unpopular incumbent Nicholas Sarkozy and in Greece, where a radical left coalition came second and the current grand coalition can't form a majority, potentially leading to further elections.

Some on the right are saying that the citizenry in Europe are deluded as to the extent of the debt situation. I personally think they just see that all this austerity is doing is giving tax cuts to the rich to create growth (which it isn't doing as most consumers are ordinary people) while the poor are thrown out of work and left to fend for themselves.