Politics
Speculation about May elections revived by SYRIZA officials' comments
For those looking out for signs of when the next elections might be held, a couple of comments this week by SYRIZA officials fuelled speculation that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will call snap polls in May.
Despite some common ground, revision of constitution makes for new battleground
MPs began debating on Tuesday the proposed changes to the Greek constitution before a vote on Thursday in what is shaping to be another political battle between SYRIZA and New Democracy, although the parties agree on aspects of the revision.
New polls indicate support for recent measures, give SYRIZA glimmer of hope
Two opinion polls published over the weekend suggest that the gap between SYRIZA and New Democracy is not as wide as other surveys suggest, despite the conservative party’s best efforts to capitalise on the apparent widespread displeasure with the Macedonia name deal.
Kammenos antics put extra pressure on SYRIZA's minority govt
As MPs debated on Friday the NATO accession protocol for North Macedonia, the actions of former coalition partner Panos Kammenos were under scrutiny again, with some commentators suggesting that this could prove a factor in the timing of the next general elections.
ND keeps alive hopes of fiscal targets being revised in future
A day ahead of a vote in Greek Parliament on the NATO accession protocol for North Macedonia, for which the SYRIZA government has received praise from its European partners, New Democracy was given encouragement from Europe regarding its aim to revise primary surplus targets if it comes to power.
Tsipras and Erdogan keep conversation going despite lack of specific gains
During Alexis Tsipras' state visit, the first in 11 years by a Greek prime minister to Ankara, Greece and Turkey made rather small and careful steps aimed at resolving their bilateral disputes.
SYRIZA cites support of six extra MPs as sign of stability, opposition protests
The unorthodox way in which SYRIZA is clinging to power continues to be the main topic of political debate in Greece.
Tsipras halts bid to help smaller parties amid opposition criticism
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras instructed parliamentary speaker Nikos Voutsis (also a SYRIZA MP) not to proceed with any changes to parliamentary rules that would impact on the privileges available to elected parties that are no longer able to muster a parliamentary group (minimum five lawmakers).
SYRIZA's move to aid small parties puts spotlight on Kammenos leverage
SYRIZA has indicated that it is willing to do a favour to its former coalition partner, Independent Greeks (ANEL), whose parliamentary group is close to the point of no longer being recognised.
SYRIZA encounters first obstacles in governing with minority of MPs
The difficulties that Alexis Tsipras will face in the coming weeks and months, while trying to govern with what is essentially a minority government, are already becoming evident.