Politics
New Democracy increases pressure on potential supporters of Prespes Agreement
New Democracy kept up the pressure over the Macedonia name issue on Wednesday despite attempts by Skopje to row back from comments by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev which were interpreted by some as referring to a so-called “Macedonian” minority in Greece.
Mitsotakis on offensive over Macedonia name deal after Zaev comments
The Greek government found itself in an awkward position on Tuesday when New Democracy seized on unconfirmed comments by Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Prime Minister Zoran Zaev regarding the use of the Macedonian language.
Mitsotakis treads carefully as pupils protest Macedonia name deal
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis sought to distance his party from the recent spate of sit-ins and protests by school pupils, mostly in northern Greece, in relation to the Macedonia name issue.
Tsipras points to tax cuts as example of bailout exit benefits
Alexis Tsipras argued in Parliament on Wednesday, as the coalition unveiled the details of this year’s “social dividend” and the reduction to ENFIA property level and corporation levy to be implemented next year, that his government is only now beginning to show its true colours as far as economic and fiscal policy are concerned.
Developments, poll data spark new round of speculation over elections
There has been renewed speculation in the Greek media over the past few days about the timing of the next elections, with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said to be considering a snap vote even as early as March.
Tsipras talks up 'positive' measures but polls show little impact so far
Emboldened by the success of rescuing pensions from further cuts next year and delivering a budget for 2019 that includes 910 million euros in “positive” measures, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras taunted his political rivals on Thursday even though opinion polls have yet to show any change in voters’ preferences.
Territorial waters, hydrocarbon research cause friction between Athens and Ankara
Tension between Greece and Turkey has been relatively high over the last couple of weeks due to developments related to hydrocarbon research in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Pension deal rekindles speculation about election date
The government getting its way over the pension cuts that had been lined up for 2019, but which will no longer be included in next year’s budget, has rekindled speculation about when Alexis Tsipras would prefer to hold elections.
Tsipras encounters obstacle in efforts to secure church deal
The government’s efforts to reach a deal with the Church of Greece have become the subject of a political battle between SYRIZA and New Democracy, which have also been trading accusations over alleged corruption scandals.
Coalition closing in on goal of cancelling pension cuts
The Greek government moved a step closer on Thursday to securing the much sought-after goal of not having to implement next year the pension cuts it committed to in 2017.