INTERNATIONAL POLICY ANALYSIS The Greek Crisis and the Politics of Uncertainty NICK MALKOUTZIS November 2011 „ „ The overwhelming majority of Greeks are unhappy about the country’s direction and feel insecure about their future. „ „ PASOK and New Democracy, which have dominated Greek politics since 1974, are struggling to find support. „ „ Smaller parties have been slow in capitalising on voter dissatisfaction, which has also led to the creation of new groups. „ „ The successful introduction into local government of non-partisan figures and a high abstention rate are two new factors in Greek politics. „ „ The fragmentation of the political system and voters’ displeasure with the established political structure means that a general election could lead to the formation of a coa­lition government at least in the short term.