Greek Election Results Prompt Mixed Reaction across Europe

The victory of leftist SYRIZA party in the early parliamentary elections held in Greece have left European leaders divided in their assessment, with many fearing this could have negative repercussions in their own countries.

British Prime Minister David Cameron wrote on Twitter that "the Greek election will increase economic uncertainty across Europe."

The Greek election will increase economic uncertainty across Europe. That's why the UK must stick to our plan, delivering security at home.

? David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 25, 2015

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is yet to comment on the election results. Germany's central bank Bundesbank, however, came up with a message to Greece just within hours after the first exit poll results were made public.

Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann warned Athens could count on EU assistance only if it upheld its agreements with international lenders. "I hope the new government won't call into question what is expected and what has already been achieved," he told German TV station ARD. In his words, it is "clear" that Greece would have to continue using the bailout program.

Germany has been the biggest EU contributor to Greece's bailout packages, with EUR 65 B transferred by Berlin to help Athens tackle its massive public debt.  

Results have probably produced a substantial impact on Spanish capital Madrid as well, with the government seeking to avoid a Greek-style scenario.

Conservative PM Mariano Rajoy, who has been struggling to mitigate the effect austerity measures have had on society and its support for the leftist Podemos ("We Can") movement, warned on Sunday Spanish citizens should not "play Russian roulette" by backing the...