So today's election announcement, if it comes, would be something of a surprise. But it would hint at the levels of dissent within the ruling coalition over the terms of the new deal. August 20 is officially the start of a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding. If Mr Tsipras does step down, he is likely to be replaced by a caretaker prime minister. It would also mark the country's second snap elections in just under nine months. Syriza were only elected in late January.