Syriza splits as Tsipras looks to bolster power with ballot

Athens

A GROUP of Greek lawmakers opposed to the country's bailout programme abandoned the governing party, Syriza, as Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras moved to force an early election to shore up his position.

The lawmakers, whose names were read out on Friday by a deputy parliament speaker on television from Athens, will be called Popular Unity and led by former energy minister Panagiotis Lafazanis. Twenty-five lawmakers form the new bloc, while local media reported that another four parliamentarians quit Syriza without joining the breakaway.