Greeks to vent rage in weekend election

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http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/05/03/uk-eu-greece-election-idUKBRE8420H220120503

(Reuters) - Greek voters enraged by economic hardship will punish traditional parties in a highly uncertain election on Sunday that could plunge the country into new political chaos and shake the entire euro zone.

At stake is whether Greece sticks with the harsh terms of a hugely unpopular 130 billion euro (105 billion pounds) EU/IMF bailout, or heads down a path that could see it ejected from the single currency, with dire risks for other EU peripheral states like Spain and Italy.

Wages and benefits have been slashed, unemployment has rocketed and thousands of businesses have collapsed. Furious Greeks have been turning to small, anti-bailout parties to punish traditional politicians they blame for the crisis.

A record 8-10 parties are expected to enter parliament, and public outrage with the main parties could turn at least four small groups into potential power-brokers.