Politics
Govt calls on local businesses and banks to free up capital for investment
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called on Greece’s entrepreneurs to invest in the country as his government seeks a decisive shift away from the travails of the pandemic, which look like they may linger for a little while longer at least.
Delta variant shifts goalposts for tourism season and vaccinations
The tourism industry is having to face up to the prospect of another drastically curtailed summer season, as European concerns over the rapid spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus look likely to result in further restrictions on travel.
Govt intent on making some relief measures permanent
The government appears set on the idea of making permanent some of the relief measures it has adopted since last year, while it also announced on Monday financial incentives for young Greeks to get vaccinated.
Athens broadly satisfied with EU Council approach on Turkey
The discussion about EU-Turkish relations at Friday’s European Council was not as thorough as expected but Greece emerged broadly satisfied about the “carrot and stick” approach that the Union plans on maintaining in its dealings with Ankara.
Govt talks up benefits of pension reform as Delta variant concern grows
The government has launched its attempt to win the public relations battle over the next major element of its summer reform drive, the proposed changes to the supplementary pension system.
Teachers threaten revolt over education bill as opposition gears up for summer confrontation
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told his cabinet to prepare for a working summer as they were briefed on a reform-heavy legislative agenda on Wednesday.
Vaccination scheme gaps identified as Greece prepares to discard masks
Health experts are expected to recommend this week that Greeks no longer wear face masks outdoors as part of the further loosening of Covid restrictions, while Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has identified the reluctance of some people to be vaccinated as the key challenge that needs to be overcome in the weeks ahead.
Govt views pandemic window as opportunity to advance contentious reform agenda
With the approval of the national recovery plan and the passage of the labour reform bill capping an eventful week in Athens, PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis appears determine to plough on this week with a series of emblematic reforms and announcements before the summer recess.
PM looking to build on RRF approval to augment profile as moderniser
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is beginning today a series of visits to various parts of the country to present the government’s Greece 2.0 recovery plan as he tries to build on the momentum of Thursday’s approval by the European Commission.
Labour bill vote fans climate of polarisation
Significant changes to labour relations are on the way, after a landmark bill voted into law by Parliament on Wednesday amid protests by unions and the opposition.