Greece faces early election after PM loses vote on president

Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras reacts in parliament during the last round of a presidential vote in Athens December 29, 2014. REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece heads to an early general election next month after parliament rejected Prime Minister Antonis Samaras's nominee for president on Monday, throwing the country into a new period of political turmoil just as it emerges from economic crisis.

Greek 10-year bond yields surged to a 15-month high and stocks tumbled after former European Commissioner Stavros Dimas fell short of the 180 votes needed to become president in the decisive third round of voting, triggering the dissolution of parliament.