Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called snap national elections after a severe defeat by the opposition conservatives in the European Parliament elections on Sunday.
Provisional results showed ruling party Syriza trailing the opposition New Democracy party by about ten points.
“I will request immediate declaration of national elections from the President of the Republic,” Tsipras said in a speech.
The government’s current term was due to expire in October.
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis demanded Tsipras resign, saying he had lost the popular mandate.
“The Prime Minister must assume his responsibilities. For the good of the country, he must resign and the country should hold national elections, the soonest possible,” Mitsotakis said.
A party source said the earliest a vote could take place would be June 30, to allow for preparations.