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Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras 'to resign' today Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announces resignation as he calls for snap elections
(about 1 hour later)
The Greek Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, will resign this evening, according to a government official. The Greek Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, has announced his resignation and called for early elections in a televised address to the nation.
His resignation will clear the way for snap elections on 20 September, the official told Reuters. Mr Tsipras 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.
In his address, Mr Tsipras defended his government's negotiating tactics and said Greece got the best possible deal for its €86 billion bailout.
He said he felt a "deep moral" obligation to lay his actions before the judgement of the Greek people following the country securing the funding.
He is due to formally submit his resignation to the country's president, the Press Association has reported, while elections will be held in a month.
Government officials have said 20 September is the likeliest date.
Mr Tsipras had earlier met with senior party officials and ministers to discuss the government's next move as Greece paid off  €3.3bn to the European Central Bank.Mr Tsipras had earlier met with senior party officials and ministers to discuss the government's next move as Greece paid off  €3.3bn to the European Central Bank.
He 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.
The Prime Minister effectively lost his parliamentary majority after a rebellion by hardliners in his Syriza party who oppose a bailout agreement struck with international lenders.The Prime Minister effectively lost his parliamentary majority after a rebellion by hardliners in his Syriza party who oppose a bailout agreement struck with international lenders.
Mr Tsipras was expected to make an announcement on Thursday evening. According to the Associated Press, he was also expected to visit the country's president, a formality when calling for an early elections, which would also see him have to step down as prime minister.Mr Tsipras was expected to make an announcement on Thursday evening. According to the Associated Press, he was also expected to visit the country's president, a formality when calling for an early elections, which would also see him have to step down as prime minister.
Earlier on Thursday, Energy and Environment Minister Panos Skourletis said: "The certainty is that the need for elections has arisen."Earlier on Thursday, Energy and Environment Minister Panos Skourletis said: "The certainty is that the need for elections has arisen."