Greek government seeks majority on two fronts

With the prospect of snap elections seeming increasingly likely, the government is seeking a majority on two fronts: one to secure backing for the so-called Prespes name deal, assuming it is approved in a referendum in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on Sunday, and another in the event that the junior coalition partner quits the government over the deal and conservative New Democracy submits a censure motion.

The first challenge is widely expected to be within the government's grasp. Apart from the 145 MPs of leftist SYRIZA and the backing of independent MP Katerina Papacosta, who recently joined the cabinet, the government expects some outside support.

Thanasis Papachristopoulos has suggested he will break ranks with the right-wing junior coalition partner, Independent Greeks (ANEL), whose leader Panos Kammenos has said he will reject the deal.