Erstellt am: 8. 5. 2012 - 15:35 Uhr

Greece's political scene implodes

Reality Check: new elections likely in Greece, bomb plot foiled, Pirate Party founder Rick Falkvinger, direct democracy in Austria, the lord of the hover flies

Within hours of receiving a mandate to form a government from President Karolos Papoulias, conservative leader Antonis Samaras handed it back, saying he had failed to form a coalition.

The mandate gave Samaras 3 days to put a coalition together, so the fact that a few hours later he was saying "we did everything we could. It was impossible." suggests that he didn't have many options. Although his party gets a bonus 50 parliamentary seats for coming first in the elections, the figures still didn't stack up for a viable coalition.

The left wing coalition, led by Alexis Tsipras, will now have its chance to form a government, and if they fail as well, which they probably will, it will mean new elections.

Mark Lowen reports from Athens on the chaos facing the Greek political system.

• Foiled bomb plot==

The CIA has foiled a new "underwear bomb" plot in Yemen. The device was similar to that found in failed attempt to bomb a 'plane bound for Detroit on Christmas Day, 2009.

Pirates in politics

It's over 6 years since the first Pirate Party was founded. It was founded in Sweden by Rick Falkvinge, and since then, Pirate Parties, defending civil rights and promoting direct democracy, have sprung up all over the world, and have even fielded candidates in European elections.

Pirate Parties are becoming ever more a serious political force, and not just a "protest vote" option for a disaffected electorate.

Rick tells Joanna Bostock what motivated him to get into politics and how the Pirate movement is evolving.

Direct Democracy in Austria

Politial analyst, Melanie Sully, looks at direct democracy in Austria, and why the "Volksbegehren" has failed to give the people control of politics.

The fly collector

Riem Higazi meets the "Lord of the Hoverflies" Fredrik Sjöberg , who is fascinated by the creatures most of us hate - flies.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.