Samaras Bids to Save Greece After Thwarting Rescue Plans

Antonis Samaras has morphed into Europe’s main hope for a stable government in Greece after having been the biggest irritant.

Head of the New Democracy party topping polls before the May 6 election, Samaras rejected Greece’s first bailout as the nation teetered on the verge of default two years ago. He then resisted spending cuts designed to keep aid flowing and prevent economic collapse. His brinkmanship led European Commission President Jose Barroso to tell Samaras last November to stop playing “political games.”