Melas says more Independent Greeks MPs may defy leader over president
Independent Greeks MP Panayiotis Melas revealed on Friday that there may be more lawmakers in the party prepared to support the government in its choice of presidential candidate.
Melas drew the wrath of party leader Panos Kammenos earlier this week when he said he was undecided about how he will vote in February’s presidential elections just a day after the anti-austerity party’s parliamentary group had backed Kammenos’s stance, which is to oppose any hopeful put forward by the coalition.
“I am not the only Independent Greeks MP who is thinking about voting for the president of the republic,” said Melas.
“I have discussed this issue with some of the deputies from our party. I am not sure how they will vote in the end.”
Kammenos has threatened to oust Melas if he does not toe the party line.
The Independent Greeks party is due to hold its political congress in Athens this weekend, so further splits may surface.
