PM Tsipras on parties lack of consensus for TV debate: "A shame for democracy"

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Monday expressed his indignation on social media about what he called the inability of four opposition parties to agree on a July 1 date for a live televised debate of party leaders, seven days ahead of the July 7 general elections.

An initial date for July 1 had to be changed because Tripras is attending an EU summit. The impasse resulted when he offered "to be transported straight from the Athens International Airport to the TV studio," as he said in a tweet on Monday.

Blaming both the main opposition New Democracy and Movement for Change (KINAL) and the Greek Communist Party (KKE) for the deadlock, the premier tweeted, "they found an excuse to reject the proposed date," adding that "it's a shame for democracy," and a shame that voters will not get a chance to compare platforms.