With most votes counted, the center-right New Democracy party is leading with 40.5 percent of the vote and 158 seats in the 300-seat parliament, according to figures from the Greek Interior Ministry. In contrast, it is seen as a major defeat for the opposition Syriza party, which has lost more than 30 seats.
Mr Mitsotakis speaks outside the New Democracy Party headquarters on June 25, 2023 in Athens, Greece. Photo: Getty
"This result increases my responsibility to live up to people's hopes. Personally, I feel an even stronger obligation to serve my country to the best of my ability," Mitsotakis told supporters in Athens.
Former Prime Minister Mitsotakis, 55, a former banker and scion of a powerful political family, promised to boost revenue from the vital tourism sector, create jobs and raise wages to near the European Union average.
Mr Mitsotakis, who served as prime minister from 2019 until resigning after an inconclusive vote in May, has vowed to push through reforms to rebuild Greece's fragile credit rating and finances.
Sunday's vote was the second in just over a month for Greeks, as the first vote on May 21 failed to see a single party win an absolute majority in parliament to form a government.
The COVID-19 pandemic and a deadly train crash in February have exposed shortcomings in Greece’s health care and public transport systems. The cost of living crisis and recent economic hardship are also top of mind for voters.
Sunday's election also comes as the aftermath of this month's migrant boat sinking in Greece, which left hundreds of migrants dead off the southern coast of the country.
Bui Huy (according to CNN, Reuters, AP)
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