Politics
Coalition indicates it will keep focus on corruption allegations
Following the attention given to the pre-trial detention last week of former Defence Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, the government is hoping that by turning the spotlight to more corruption allegations, it will be able to secure political gains.
As budget talks drag on, parties focus on inflicting damage via graft claims
In the absence of a concrete agreement with the institutions over whether next year’s pre-legislated pension cuts can be cancelled, the domestic political agenda is being taken up by the parties trading accusations over alleged corruption.
Kotzias territorial waters comment not expected to spark change of approach in Athens
Athens was expecting a strong reaction from Ankara to the announcement made on Saturday by former Foreign Minister, Nikos Kotzias about the government’s plans to extend Greece’s territorial waters in the Ionian Sea and some parts of the Aegean to 12 nautical miles from the current six.
SYRIZA eyes gains from case developing against ex-defence minister
The developing legal case against former PASOK minister Yiannos Papantoniou, who was remanded in custody on Tuesday, could have a significant impact on Greek politics ahead of the next elections.
Tsipras planning for life without Kammenos
The threats by Defence Minister Panos Kammenos to walk out of the coalition if the Prespes Agreement comes to Greek Parliament appear to have left Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras unperturbed and apparently confident that he can do without his governing partner.
Amid coalition bickering, Skopje vote lights up path to snap elections in Greece
Defence Minister Panos Kammenos has vowed to stick with the government until the Prespes Agreement, ratified by MPs in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) on Friday night, comes to Greek Parliament, although his opposition to the deal means that the coalition is likely to face more turbulence.
Tsipras faces challenges ahead on multiple foreign policy fronts
Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias’ resignation comes at a very crucial time for Greece’s foreign policy and for the region.
After Kotzias departure, Tsipras hopes for clear path to elections
While the departure of Nikos Kotzias from the high-profile position of foreign minister is a blow for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, especially as the key diplomatic achievement of his time in office – the Prespes Agreement on the Macedonia name issue – is at a crucial juncture, it is unlikely that it will lead to any material change to the SYRIZA leader’s political plans.
Foreign minister quits government, heaping pressure on Tsipras
One of the government’s most high-profile figures, Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, resigned on Wednesday, forcing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras into another damage limitation exercise when he would prefer the spotlight to be on his government’s latest initiatives on the economic front instead.
Tsipras seeks assurances that coalition will remain united for time being
After days of mounting tension between SYRIZA and its coalition partner, Independent Greeks (ANEL), Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras attempted on Tuesday to stress the need for unity in the government as Greece enters a decisive period for all political parties.