Sources in Athens tonight concur in their belief that the Greek Prime Minister is at least 15 votes short of the majority he needs to name a President

Samaras….leaving the stage?

In theory, the Greek Government could fall tonight. But more likely is that two further rounds of voting on this crucial matter may well be necessary before, some time in mid January, the Samaras Coalition will either stand or fall.

The great majority of well-connected Athenians I spoke to this afternoon were of the view that Antonis Samaras will lose tonight’s first round vote. He needs 50 more votes to add to the 151 promises he has….but at best, this would deliver another 35 votes. And a promise in Greece these days is a much devalued thing.

A great deal hinges around the estimated 25 New Democracy MPs who have jumped ship from the Samaras: many see them as those who can be bought…having baled out of ND to Save their Souls in the first place.

Notable, however, was an opinion poll this morning that suggested Syriza’s lead over New Democracy has been cut – perhaps by warning sounds from Brussels in general, and Jean-Claude Juncker in particular.

The majority opinion remains that – as things currently stand – Alexis Tsipras will be Prime Minister of Greece by the end of January. But stay tuned to all those unelected channels rubbishing the Tsipras leader.

Earlier at The Slog: President Barack Pandora opens his box on Russia