Greek Politics
Govt banks on uptick in vaccines over coming months aiding return to normality
There was no respite for the government from the latest Covid-19 data this week, although the situation appears brighter as far as the rollout of the vaccine programme is concerned.
Tsipras launches attack on New Democracy as reactions to lockdown mount
As the government faces growing discontent with lockdown measures, opposition leader Alexis Tsipras has gone on the offensive, attempting to highlight New Democracy’s failings and stake out his party’s position on a number of critical issues.
Confusion over retail reopening puts govt on defensive
The government found itself on the defensive on Monday over its handling of the reopening of the retail sector.
Amid virus gloom, govt lines up support for catering and targets swift upturn
A ramping up of Covid-19 vaccines and self-tests will help Greece emerge quickly from the grips of the pandemic, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis argued on Friday as the virus continues to pound the country’s health system.
EU Commissioner's visit to islands highlights divisions over management of migrant centres
A high-level visit to the islands of the northern Aegean, designed to showcase progress on building new migrant reception centres and improve relations with local communities, has instead highlighted the tensions which persist between the institutions and authorities involved and local communities.
Re-opening plans hang in balance due to unrelenting virus
The government does not seem set to abandon its hopes of further relaxing restrictions on economic activity next week even though the Covid-19 data continues to look alarming.
PM trails national recovery plan ahead, talks up growth prospects
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attempted a change of gear at the start of this week, by turning the cabinet’s attention from the troubling epidemiological situation and the strain on public finances, to the post-Covid recovery.
Govt prepares new round of economic relief as Covid remains a threat
The government is trying to send reassuring messages about its ability to provide sufficient economic support to make up for the longer than expected impact of Covid-19, even though the virus’s persistence has thrown off New Democracy’s initial planning for 2021.
Covid worries bring more wear and tear for govt, but no momentum for opposition
After a day of celebrations, littered with contributions from foreign governments and dignitaries, to mark Greece’s bicentennial on Thursday, the harsh reality of the country’s present challenges struck on Friday.
UK and EU travel restrictions raise concerns for tourism season
The news that the UK Parliament looks likely to pass new pandemic measures which include a 5,000 pound fine for unnecessary foreign travel until July has caused consternation in Athens, where it was hoped that UK visitors would be among the first and most numerous to take advantage of the reopening of Greek tourism from May 14.