Syriza Leader Tsipras Tasked With Forming Government

After left-wing, anti-austerity party Syriza emerged as the clear winner in Sunday's parliamentary election, its leader Alexis Tsipras has been asked to form a new government.

ATHENS, January 26 (Sputnik) – Greek President Karolos Papoulias has asked radical left-wing Syriza party's leader Alexis Tsipras with forming a new government.

"It is only left for me to entrust you with a mandate to form a government," Papoulias said.

Tsipras informed the Greek president about an agreement between Syriza and the right-wing Independent Greeks party to form a coalition that will secure enough votes to support the operation of the new government.

"I think that the current majority of 162 votes can grow even bigger," Tsipras said.

On Monday, the Syriza leader was sworn in as Greece's new prime minister, with the ceremony being attended by the country's president.

The Syriza party won the Sunday parliamentary elections in Greece with 36.34 percent of votes, securing 149 seats.

Earlier on Monday, Syriza reached an agreement with Independent Greeks to form a government by creating a coalition, with Tsipras expected to announce his cabinet later.