Greek Politics
Pandemic surge creates fresh political and economic doubts
The government’s hopes of emphasising its political dominance and other achievements as it reaches its mid-term are being derailed by the latest Covid developments in Greece.
PM calls for step-up in jabs, tougher enforcement in response to rising infections
The rapid rise in infections and the slow-down in vaccinations over the past week has led the government to toughen its message on compliance and vaccinations just as Greece is about to enter a new phase of reopening the economy.
Covid rears its head again as ND reaches halfway point in tenure
Even though Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is trying to play down the government reaching the halfway point in its two-year term in office, the unofficial performance reviews being conducted by some politicians and the local media threaten to be overshadowed by growing concerns about a resurgence of the coronavirus just as Greece was looking forward to a more carefree and prosperous summer.
Catering and entertainment businesses chafe at vaccination status rules
Businesses are reacting to the latest raft of Covid-19 measures announced by the Greek government in tandem with the latest stage of lockdown easing.
Govt calls on local businesses and banks to free up capital for investment
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called on Greece’s entrepreneurs to invest in the country as his government seeks a decisive shift away from the travails of the pandemic, which look like they may linger for a little while longer at least.
Delta variant shifts goalposts for tourism season and vaccinations
The tourism industry is having to face up to the prospect of another drastically curtailed summer season, as European concerns over the rapid spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus look likely to result in further restrictions on travel.
Govt intent on making some relief measures permanent
The government appears set on the idea of making permanent some of the relief measures it has adopted since last year, while it also announced on Monday financial incentives for young Greeks to get vaccinated.
Govt talks up benefits of pension reform as Delta variant concern grows
The government has launched its attempt to win the public relations battle over the next major element of its summer reform drive, the proposed changes to the supplementary pension system.
Teachers threaten revolt over education bill as opposition gears up for summer confrontation
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told his cabinet to prepare for a working summer as they were briefed on a reform-heavy legislative agenda on Wednesday.
Vaccination scheme gaps identified as Greece prepares to discard masks
Health experts are expected to recommend this week that Greeks no longer wear face masks outdoors as part of the further loosening of Covid restrictions, while Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has identified the reluctance of some people to be vaccinated as the key challenge that needs to be overcome in the weeks ahead.