"There is a chance he might resign…"

A strange dialogue between Venizelos and Petsalnikos on the sidelines of the eventful voting on the multi-bill articles, which is not recorded in the minutes but was "caught" by the open microphones, gave way to a series of scenarios of political instability, including the resignation of PM Lucas Papademos.

During the second reading of the list of MPs' names and when it seemed that article 29 would be voted against, Venizelos rose from the ministerial benches and was heard saying "give me the results to inform the prime minister so he will know what to do, if he has the majority or not."

After about 2 minutes the camera in the parliament "captured" the conversation between Venizelos and Petsalnikos next to the open microphones of the ministerial benches. The parliament president apparently informed the minister on the progress of the results and the almost certain rejection of article 29. At this point, Venizelos was heard saying "there is a chance he might resign."

As was natural, this phrase created considerable concern to those who were able to isolate it, and had them wondering if the minister referred to the PM or Health minister Andreas Loverdos, who was the one that submitted article 29.

At today's briefing of political reporters, government spokesman Pantelis Kapsis was asked if there is an issue of the PM resigning. He categorically denied any such scenario.