Winning bidder for TV license fails to make first payment, withdraws from contention

The government was licking its wounds Monday after Yiannis Kalogritsas, one of four winning bidders in a recent auction of nationwide television licenses - and under increasing public scrutiny over his suitability as a candidate - withdrew from contention after his company was unable to pay the first installment of the license fee on time.

Kalogritsas said he was pulling out, citing "corrupt circles" that had accused him of tax evasion. His participation, and winning bid, at the auction drew a concerted chorus of dismay from the opposition and even from within the coalition parties over claims that he was not properly vetted.

His winning bid also bolstered the claim by critics that the government, rather than bringing an end to corruption and backroom deals between the media moguls and politicians, was changing the country's TV broadcasting landscape to get rid of...