Who's afraid of the euro crisis?

EU leaders and heads of major institutions nervously await the outcome of fresh elections in Greece, the effects of which could determine the future of the euro. But how might the crisis in Greece spread out across Europe and what are the main fears for each economy?

Greece

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras

Took office:
June 2012

Big fear: Running out of money

 

After a second parliamentary election in as many months, Greece's centre right New Democracy party has managed to cobble together a grand coalition with former arch opponents Pasok as well as the anti-austerity Democratic Left.

New Prime Minister Antonis Samaras' big fear is the government will either fall apart, or run out of money (or both) before Christmas, which could precipitate an exit from the euro.

The coalition parties make strange bedfellows, and have agreed to push for softer terms - including slower spending cuts - from Greece's bailout lenders.

If the Greeks fail to reach a deal with Germany and other lenders, or if they fail in the coming months to fulfill promised spending cuts and reforms in any renegotiated deal, then Greece's lenders could stop sending the bailout cheques, leaving the country's government and its banks bust. 

 

The graphic shows the leaders whose decisions are considered most likely to shape the crisis in the coming months.