Politics
Covid measures extended despite govt optimism, as inflation causes political tension
Persistently high infection rates and a rapid increase in daily hospitalisations from Covid has led the government’s expert committee to advise against lifting restrictions on dining and entertainment too soon.
KINAL leader intent on forging separate path for centre-left party
In his first interview of 2022, the new KINAL leader Nikos Androulakis rebuffed attempts to associate his centre-left party with New Democracy or SYRIZA and insisted that he would preserve its independence and develop its identity as a European social democratic grouping.
Govt looks to tweak relief in anticipation of record Covid infections, new inflation high
The twin pressures from inflation and Omicron look set to enter new levels in the coming days, leading the government to trail new economic support measures, as well as adjustments to the mix of Covid rules.
Athens ponders US scepticism about EastMed gas pipeline
Athens was left confused and concerned by a non-paper sent by Washington that casts doubt on the future of the East Med natural gas pipeline.
Govt confident about school return, but faces doubts on post-bailout review
The start of the new school term dominated the political agenda on Monday as the government hopes that pupils returning to classes will not trigger a new spike of Covid infections, which the opposition will pounce upon as the latest example of New Democracy mishandling the pandemic.
Turkey looms large in 2022 foreign policy agenda, which includes Balkans, US and Russia
As far as Greek foreign policy is concerned, the arrival of the new year has not brought the most encouraging signs as Ankara has launched a new round of aggressive rhetoric against Athens, with the latest warning coming from Turkey’s Defence Minister, Hulusi Akar.
Govt offers more energy subsidies in Jan to cushion impact of high prices
The government attempted on Friday to address one of its major policy concerns at the start of 2022, offering broader subsidies for rising energy bills in the hope that it will not suffer politically from the impact inflation is having on Greek households.
Govt opts to reopen schools on time, drawing opposition criticism
The government has come under fire from the opposition for not delaying the opening of schools, or introducing more precautions, amid a spike in Covid cases fuelled by the Omicron variant.
Govt readies targeted support for energy bills in bid to contain cost of living crisis
High energy prices continue to challenge the government’s fiscal planning going into the new year, as it works towards putting in place targeted measures to ease the pressure on households and small businesses.
Covid dominates start of 2022 but PM looks ahead to growth
The new year begins much like the previous one in political terms as Covid is again the dominant issue that the government has to address over the coming weeks.