EU official says Greek election can broaden bailout support

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The election planned by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras could help increase support in Greece for the third euro zone bailout programme launched on Thursday, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's chief-of-staff said. "Swift elections in Greece can be a way to broaden support for ESM stability support programme just signed by PM Tsipras on behalf of Greece," Martin Selmayr said in a tweet. After months of negotiations, Tsipras accepted a deal to implement substantial economic reforms in return for loans but has lost the support of some of his own leftist allies. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; Editing by Angus MacSwan)