Debate ahead of June 25 elex 10 days earlier; major pol leaders to participate

A second live and nationally televised debate between the leaders of Greece’s Parliament-represented parties – as derived from the recently dissolved legislature before the May 21 election – will be held on Thursday, June 15. A second general election is scheduled for Sunday, June 25 election.

The date and format were announced by an inter-party elections committee on Tuesday.

Leftist SYRIZA, which garnered a disappointing 20.1 percent showing in the recent May 21 ballot, also requested a one-on-one debate between its leader, Alexis Tsipras, and New Democracy (ND) president and incumbent prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. However, the request was rejected by the other parties’ representatives.

Party leaders will field questions grouped into six general topics: economy, economic development and jobs; foreign policy and defense; the state, institutions and transparency; health, education and the social state; environment and energy, and youth.

As with the previous debate, this one will be held at the main studio of national broadcaster ERT.

Questions will be asked by six prominent television news presenters, while the debate will be moderated by an ERT anchorman – similar to the previous format.