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Greek opposition conservative party leader resigns

Xinhua, November 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

Greece's main opposition conservative New Democracy (ND) party leader Vangelis Meimarakis on Tuesday resigned and handed over the helm to the party's vice president Yannis Plakiotakis until an election for new leader is held.

He made the decision "in order to safeguard the party's unity" he told media shortly before a party meeting.

Meimarakis took over in July as interim chief after former prime minister Antonis Samaras resigned following two electoral defeats in six months.

The conservative veteran stepped down on Tuesday following the postponement of the leadership election on Sunday due to technical software problems.

The unprecedented fiasco fueled tension between the four contenders and concern over a possible party split at a time when the ruling coalition has been left with marginal majority in parliament. Greece too faces tough decisions in the coming weeks and months to implement much-needed reform.

Plakiotakis will serve as acting party leader until the elections take place in December or early January.

Former administrative reform minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, scion of a political dynasty, former health minister Adonis Georgiadis and Central Macedonia Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas who represent the younger generation of the Greek conservatives, are also vying for the post. Endit