Greek Politics
Summer optimism undermined by uptick in Covid-19 indicators and subdued expectations for tourism
Authorities and businesses in Greece are bracing for the effects of the first major steps in reopening the economy to filter through to the epidemiological data and the economy.
Move to legislate on climate change offers opening to bolster environmental laws
Greek political parties took a step towards creating the first national climate change legislation in a special joint committee session in Parliament on Tuesday.
SYRIZA lays out alternative vision to counter government's RRF plan
Government ministers have been offering more details on the first stages in the implementation of the national recovery plan, in anticipation of the first disbursements of RRF funds from Brussels this summer.
PM warns Covid threat remains as 'wall of immunity' still being built
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attempted to sound a note of caution on Monday regarding Covid-19, perhaps concerned that the latest relaxation of restrictions will lead to a resurgence of the virus in Greece.
Complaints harden as govt lays out content of labour bill
The bill containing the contentious labour reforms put forward by the centre-right government has been put to public consultation amid an already-strong backlash from opposition parties and unions.
Under scrutiny, government defends vaccine strategy
As Greece prepares to officially launch this summer’s tourism season, the government’s vaccination record has come under scrutiny despite a recent increase in the rate at which jabs are being administered.
ND unveils labour bill as parties line up for head-on clash over reforms
Labour Minister Kostis Hatzidakis was due to present the government’s contentious labour reforms on Wednesday, with a view to launching a public consultation period so the bill could then be adopted by the end of May or in early June.
Greece prepares for next stage in Covid relaxation as tourism hopes hang in balance
The next steps in Greece’s gradual emergence from a six-month lockdown are set to be confirmed on Wednesday, although Covid-19 numbers have eased only marginally and there are doubts about the tourism sector’s ability to capitalise on the official reopening from Friday.
Tussle over labour reforms shaping up as spark for broader political battle
The government’s proposed labour market reforms and the extent to which they open up ideological divisions and show whether New Democracy has a progressive vision for Greece’s future are the issues at the core of the country’s political debate at the moment.
Amid patent waiver row, govt hoping to push ahead with reopening
The government is hoping that the scientific committee advising it over its Covid-19 policy will agree on Friday to a further relaxation of the lockdown restrictions, building on the recent reopening of the retail and food service sectors.