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Greek election: Frontrunners hold televised debate Greek election: Tsipras rejects 'unnatural' coalition
(about 3 hours later)
The two main challengers in Greece's elections are holding a televised debate, with polls suggesting they are neck-and-neck. The leader of Greece's left-wing Syriza party, Alexis Tsipras, has ruled out forming a coalition with his main rival if he wins Sunday's election.
The leader of left-wing Syriza party, Alexis Tsipras, is facing Vangelis Meimarakis, of the centre-right New Democracy. Speaking during a debate with centre-right New Democracy leader Vangelis Meimarakis, Mr Tsipras said such a unity government would be "unnatural".
Mr Tsipras called Sunday's snap election after securing a multi-billion euro bailout last month. Polls suggests neither are likely to secure a parliamentary majority.
Both parties drew 31.6% in a recent poll for ANT1 TV. Mr Tsipras called the snap election after securing a multi-billion euro bailout last month.
Little has separated the two sides throughout the campaign, meaning neither is likely to secure a parliamentary majority. Mr Meimarakis has suggested a grand coalition is possible, something ruled out by Mr Tsipras. In the debate, hosted by state broadcaster ERT, Mr Meimarakis said Greeks wanted the stability that only a grand coalition could bring.
Analysts say the debate provides an important chance to win over the many undecided voters. "We can have a national team not only in the governance of the country, but also a national negotiating team [for Greece's bailout]," he said.
But Mr Tsipras replied that the two had "fundamental differences" and so a unity government would not be possible.
The view from Twitter
Greeks, journalists and pundits found the debate somewhat underwhelming...
"Tsipras wins out but the opponent was dead! In fact, Tsipras did not win, Meimarakis lost!" - @StathisPsillos
"Debate ends. ND supporters feel that Meimarakis won tonight. I think no one really won. Tsipras was somehow defensive though" - @YanniKouts
"Truth to be told, this is not a good performance by #Meimarakis. Tsipras on full-populism mode, but doesn't come off as obnoxious" - @GreekAnalyst
"Tsipras appeared relatively nervous & with weak arguments at second debate between the two top political parties" - @VKarayannis
"Debate ends with no winner. not sure whether they persuaded indecisive voters" - @GiorgosKentas
The debate was billed as a chance to win over crucial undecided voters, with both parties drawing 31.6% in a recent poll for ANT1 TV.
A first debate included five other parties, but this one allowed the two men to ask each other questions and comment on answers.
Mr Tsipras won power earlier this year pledging to end austerity, but was instead forced to accept a rescue package that included more cuts.Mr Tsipras won power earlier this year pledging to end austerity, but was instead forced to accept a rescue package that included more cuts.
He is expected to say he will continue to fight against corruption and poverty, and told state broadcaster ERT on Sunday: "We fought for justice for the people more than anybody else." He has said he wants to continue to fight against poverty and corruption, while Mr Meimarakis has accused him of wrecking the economy while in power.
Mr Meimarakis is likely to argue Syriza has wrecked the economy during its period in office.
"No prime minister has done as much damage in as little time as Tsipras," he told Ethnos daily.