Greek Politics
Under relentless pressure from opponents, Tsipras unveils plans for new crisis agency
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras presented on Thursday the government’s plans for the overhaul of the civil protection authority, seen as one of the major weak points in the response to the Mati fire, which has now claimed 93 lives.
Tsipras tries to take lead in fire response amid picture of confusion
As the investigation into the Mati fire proceeds and more reports of the apparent mishandling of the crisis by authorities emerge, the government is hoping that its focus on tackling the aftermath of the disaster will spare it having to take on the full political cost.
Reshuffle expected to follow minister's departure in wake of Mati disaster
Alternate Citizens’ Protection Minister Nikos Toskas was the first political casualty of the recent deadly wildfire in Mati, for which the death toll has risen to 90.
Fire fallout casts doubt on Tsipras’s post-MoU strategy
There is speculation that political fallout from the wildfire in Mati, where the death toll is approaching 100, may affect Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s strategy for the last stretch of the current administration’s time in office.
Coalition pledges to demolish illegal buildings following Mati fire
The government attempted on Wednesday to snatch back the initiative in the political battle over the July 23 fire, which caused almost 100 deaths so far.
Mitsotakis steps up pressure on coalition over wildfire deaths
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis is trying to keep up the pressure on the government following last week’s deadly fires on the outskirts of Athens.
Buckling under pressure of Mati death toll, Tsipras searches for corrective actions
Almost a week on from the wildfire northeast of Athens that caused the deaths of more than 90 people, the government is facing a major political battle due to the horrifying nature of the disaster, questions about how authorities handled the blaze, criticism from opposition parties and a breakdown of the coalition’s crisis management strategy.
Coalition's attempt to defend handling of fatal blaze fails to stem criticism
The government held a late-night news conference on Thursday in an attempt to respond to growing criticism about the way authorities dealt with the fire northeast of Athens that led to more than 80 deaths and amid growing calls for officials to resign.
Government bolsters aid package as questions mount over deadly fires
The coalition has announced further financial aid for victims of the fires around Athens this week as it attempts to respond to the tragedy but there are signs that the seriousness of the situation is taking a toll on the government.
Coalition focuses on relief effort after fires as Mitsotakis holds back on criticism
The coalition appears to be coping so far with the fallout from the deadly forest fires that have claimed at least 79 lives, as the opposition holds back on criticism for the time being.