Alex Tsipras

The firebrand leftist cemented his position as Greece's dominant political figure on Sunday in national elections in which his Syriza party won 145 of 300 parliamentary seats.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' new left-wing government took office on Wednesday with painful economic reforms ahead and a growing migration crisis that threatens to open a rift in the EU.

Greeks queued outside banks on Monday as they reopened three weeks after closing to stop the system collapsing under a flood of withdrawals, the first cautious sign of a return to normal after a deal to start talks on a new package of bailout reforms.

Finnish Finance Miniseter Alex Stubb said an extension was "not possible" and said a request for a new rescue programme with the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the EU's bailout vehicle, "is always dealt with through normal procedures."

The firebrand leftist cemented his position as Greece's dominant political figure on Sunday in national elections in which his Syriza party won 145 of 300 parliamentary seats.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' new left-wing government took office on Wednesday with painful economic reforms ahead and a growing migration crisis that threatens to open a rift in the EU.

Greeks queued outside banks on Monday as they reopened three weeks after closing to stop the system collapsing under a flood of withdrawals, the first cautious sign of a return to normal after a deal to start talks on a new package of bailout reforms.

Finnish Finance Miniseter Alex Stubb said an extension was "not possible" and said a request for a new rescue programme with the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the EU's bailout vehicle, "is always dealt with through normal procedures."