Greek Politics
Foreign minister quits government, heaping pressure on Tsipras
One of the government’s most high-profile figures, Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, resigned on Wednesday, forcing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras into another damage limitation exercise when he would prefer the spotlight to be on his government’s latest initiatives on the economic front instead.
Tsipras seeks assurances that coalition will remain united for time being
After days of mounting tension between SYRIZA and its coalition partner, Independent Greeks (ANEL), Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras attempted on Tuesday to stress the need for unity in the government as Greece enters a decisive period for all political parties.
ND steers greater attention towards institutional failings as elections approach
Among the dominant themes in the upcoming election campaign in Greece will be the state of the country’s institutions and the rule of law, which New Democracy sees as areas where it can score points over SYRIZA.
Despite ongoing row with SYRIZA, Kammenos not preparing for early departure
There seems no end to the friction between Independent Greeks leader Panos Kammenos and his governing partner SYRIZA but, at the same time, there appears little chance of the apparent bad blood causing a sudden and terminal rift in the coalition.
Kammenos deviation raises more questions about coalition's endurance
Comments by Defence Minister Panos Kammenos during an official trip to the USA have heaped new pressure on SYRIZA’s increasingly troubled governing alliance with his small nationalist party, Independent Greeks (ANEL).
ANEL adds to uncertainty over Macedonia name deal and its political impact
The potential of the Macedonia name issue affecting political developments in Greece has resurfaced even though it is not yet clear if the Prespes Agreement will reach Greek Parliament.
Migration troubles move up political agenda as probe into use of fund is launched
The government’s handling of island hot spots is set to come under further scrutiny after it was revealed on Monday that the Supreme Court will investigate corruption allegations made by an outgoing official.
Mitsotakis looks beyond New Democracy for votes that could bring him to power
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis has renewed his appeal to non-conservative voters, who could decide the outcome of the next elections to back his party when Greece goes to the polls.
Falling bank shares prompt coalition to take closer look
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras chaired a hastily-arranged meeting of top government officials on Wednesday after a sharp decline in bank shares on the Athens Stock Exchange led to Greek lenders and their difficulties coming under scrutiny.
Coalition hopeful on pensions, looks to maximise impact of limited relief measures
The Greek government is becoming increasingly optimistic that it can avoid next year’s pension cuts and is starting to focus on how it can maximise the positive political impact of the pared down compensatory fiscal measures it will be able to implement if European lenders agreed to Athens’s request to scrap the reduction to spending on retirees.