Greek Politics
Mitsotakis shifts focus to tax plan, investment, law and order
After facing several days of consistent pressure over the refugee issue, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is attempting to shift the political debate to matters where he believes New Democracy has a stronger footing: Investment, tax relief and law and order.
Energy bill also unveiled as legislative activity intensifies
On the same day it unveiled its much-trumpeted second tax bill, the government also put to public consultation on Thursday a draft law concerning the energy sector as a period of intense legislative activity gets underway.
Looking to build on support for relief measures, ND unveils new tax bill
The government’s latest tax bill is due to be put to public consultation on Thursday, providing New Democracy with a welcome, but likely brief, break from the intense discussion about the refugee challenge facing Greece.
ND tries to quash refugee backlash, protect strong poll ratings
The Greek government has been trying to assuage concerns about the transfer of migrants from the Aegean islands following more strong reactions by some local residents in mainland areas New Democracy wants to use to relieve the pressure on the larger refugee centres.
Mitsotakis aims to cultivate Chinese investment, trade opportunities
An extended trip to China has provided Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with the opportunity to promote the new government’s approach to potential investors, while also talking up the potential for Greek companies to do business in Asia.
Asylum bill passes as SYRIZA turns up heat on Mitsotakis
The government’s attempt to overhaul Greece’s asylum system with the main aim of speeding up the returns of those not eligible for protection has been approved by Parliament but continues to stoke political controversy.
ND looks to asylum bill, strong rhetoric to ease pressure from migration flows
MPs have begun debating the government’s proposal for an overhaul of Greece’s asylum laws, which New Democracy sees as an important step towards facilitating the return of arrivals who are not eligible for protection and thereby easing the pressure on Greek islands and authorities in general.
ND and SYRIZA square up as Novartis inquiry gets underway
Parliament’s preliminary inquiry into the Novartis affair and the alleged manipulation of the case by former alternate justice minister Dimitris Papangelopoulos to damage SYRIZA’s political rivals was due to begin on Tuesday.
Development bill adopted as ND targets investment and growth
New Democracy strongly defended the development bill adopted by Parliament on Thursday and which the government hopes will pave the way for more investment and growth in Greece.
ND on cusp of brokering deal over diaspora vote as Novartis battle heats up
Although MPs have started to debate the 2020 draft budget, which encapsulates the government’s economic policy going forward, the focus of Greek politics is currently on an apparent rare moment of compromise between the parties over allowing Greeks living abroad to vote in the national elections from their country of residence.