Greek Politics
Moria fire propels migration issue back to top of political agenda
Just as the Greek government was expecting some relief from the refugee challenge that has caused it political problems since it came to power last summer, a large fire at the Moria camp for asylum seekers on the island of Lesvos has brought the issue back into sharp focus.
Parties debate pandemic response as public approval deteriorates
The parliamentary season kicked off on Monday with a special session on the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
PM prepares for low key policy speech as poll suggests support for govt still high
The government is trying to dampen expectations ahead of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s speech in Thessaloniki on Saturday – a task made easier by the fact that the first major opinion poll since the summer break has indicated that support is still strong for his New Democracy party.
Tsipras plans SYRIZA reboot, as govt pandemic response faces multiple challenges
SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras is said to be planning a shake-up of the main opposition party in advance of the return of Parliament in September.
Trouble from Turkey prompts plans for extra defence spending after years of cuts
The growing tension between Greece and Turkey has sparked talk among government officials in Athens about boosting defence spending which, in turn, has fuelled positive and critical reaction from commentators.
Fire at archaeological site puts govt's crisis handling under scrutiny
A fire at the archaeological site of Mycenae has become the subject of a heated political debate, raising issues of public trust in the government and the media.
PM seeks fine balance as he prepares to unveil latest set of fiscal measures
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is building up towards his economic policy speech in Thessaloniki on September 12, although the government is trying to lower expectations about what the public should expect.
Insolvency code, 'second chance' for debtors unveiled as ND eyes social impact of crisis
The government has unveiled the draft legislation that paves the way for Greece to adopt a new insolvency code and offer debtors a so-called “second chance” – a move that New Democracy hopes will stave off a major social impact resulting from the long economic crisis, as well as the knock-on effect of the more recent coronavirus pandemic.
Accused of U-turn over extension of territorial waters at home, ND steps up diplomatic drive abroad
The Greek government appears determined to open up new diplomatic fronts in its efforts to secure a de-escalation in the eastern Mediterranean.
No let-up in tension with Turkey as MPs prepare to approve maritime boundary deals
The belligerent rhetoric from Turkey towards Greece has continued this week as Greek MPs prepare to vote on the maritime boundaries deal between Athens and Cairo that triggered the latest round of tension with Ankara.