Politics
A busy year of diplomacy for Athens, but Greek-Turkish ties stagnate
Greece was active on the diplomatic front throughout 2021: High-level agreements were signed, while Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias visited several countries with the aim of forging stronger ties with countries that are significant for Greek interests.
Govt searches budget for space to adopt more Covid and energy relief
New Covid restrictions combined with the continuing energy crisis are forcing the government to prepare a new round of support measures for businesses and households in the new year, which may well extend beyond the provisions made in the budget.
Covid spike forces change in govt plans, eclipsing deal with banks for rollout of RRF loans
Greece recorded a record number of new Covid infections on Tuesday, forcing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to cut short a brief holiday in Epirus and the government to bring forward restrictions that were due to come into force on January 3.
New Omicron measures met with exasperation by business and scepticism from opposition
Alarming new data on the spread of the Omicron variant in Greece has led the government to announce a new raft of restrictions for after the new year holiday.
Administrative changes unveiled as PM's technocratic pledge is tested again
In what is usually a subdued period for Greek politics between Christmas and New Year, the government has announced a series of changes among its general and special secretaries, while also experiencing turbulence with regard to one of its earlier technocratic appointments.
Government U-turns again to tighten Covid measures over Christmas
In its latest about-turn on public health policy, the Greek government has announced a new raft of measures with immediate effect, aimed at slowing the spread of the Omicron variant in the country over the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Government under fire for indecision on Covid measures
The government has put itself under more pressure, including criticism from friendly sources, because of prevaricating over what kind of measures to adopt in order to contain the pandemic.
Govt baulks at more holiday restrictions to stem spread of Omicron variant
A tide of speculation around the government’s intentions to tighten public health measures along the lines of those adopted in other European countries is being met once again with political assurances that a lockdown over the holidays is off the cards.
PM seeks to leave ICU controversy behind as Tsipras ups stakes with snap election call
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is trying to draw a line under the controversy surround the quality of care for Covid patients, but SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras has decided to use the row over the availability of ICU units as a platform for a fresh offensive against the government.
Tsipras issues rare MP ouster, focusses on pinning ND down over ICU data
The government is making its fullest effort to dismiss or deflect the medical study that highlighted how much the health system is struggling to cope with Covid, while SYRIZA is trying to exploit it to the maximum but is open to the party’s customary communications slip-ups.