Greece: Latest poll puts anti-bailout Syriza party back in the lead
A Greek flag flies next to a statue of ancient Greek philosopher Socrates in the center of Athens.
A new Greek poll indicates that the anti-austerity Syriza party would win the election if it was held today, fueling fears the debt-stricken country could be forced out of the euro zone.
According to the Associated Press, the VPRC poll for Epikaira magazine published today shows the radical leftist Syriza winning 30 percent of the vote against 26.5 percent for the pro-bailout New Democracy party.
That contradicts six previous forecasts, Reuters noted.
The Wall Street Journal said another poll published Tuesday showed New Democracy in the lead, in line with surveys released over the weekend.
The latest poll contributed to sharp falls in global financial and commodity markets as nervous investors sought refuge in safe haven investments such as the dollar and US Treasuries.
More from GlobalPost:Global shares tumble as fresh euro zone worries trigger flight to safety
Syriza has promised to end austerity measures linked to a 130 billion euro international bailout. Such a move could force debt-laden Greece out of the euro zone and escalate the financial crisis in Spain and Italy and possibly triggered a Europe-wide recession.
Greeks will go to the polls on June 17 for the second time in as many months. The result, which many analysts say is still too close to call, is seen as crucial for Greece’s future inside the euro zone.
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