Greek Politics
Coalition hails multi-bill as start of clean break, opposition sees more of the same
The government and the opposition have a few days of intense political debate ahead of them after the Medium-Term Fiscal Strategy (MTFS) for 2019-2022 and the multi-bill aimed at completing the fourth review prior actions were submitted to Parliament on Friday.
Coalition plays down sub-tranche delay, opposition steps up pressure
The Greek government played down on Friday the news that the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) has decided not to release yet the 1-billion-euro sub-tranche that was dependent upon arrears clearance targets being met.
Bond difficulties put a dent in coalition's exit plans
The apparent shelving of plans to conduct a long-term bond issue following the conclusion of the third bailout in August has put another dent in the government’s hopes of making as clean a break as possible from the programme, providing its opponents with ammunition in the process.
Parties draw dividing lines ahead of new protests over name issue
The coalition is bracing itself for another round of protests over the Macedonia name talks, which remain finely balanced and a source of major domestic political friction.
SYRIZA prepares for final bailout vote, seeks to highlight benefits
SYRIZA MPs are preparing to discuss the final round of legislation they will have to approve before Greece’s exit from the bailout this summer, with the government keen to stress the positives that await.
Tsipras waits on name issue and debt talks, Mitsotakis pledges tax cuts for tourism
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is waiting for two key developments in the coming days – the Macedonia name talks and the debt relief discussions among Greece’s lenders - that could define his premiership.
Despite fresh uncertainty, Tsipras insists focus is on four-year term
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has again insisted he has no intention of calling snap elections, despite the latest uncertainty caused by events in Italy.
Mitsotakis applies pressure over MoU exit and name talks
Political developments in Italy, and the effect they are having on bond yields, as well as the discussions with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), which have entered a crucial phase, are putting more pressure on the Greek government.
Tsipras claims he is in no hurry to call elections after bailout exit
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras indicated on Friday that he is not considering the possibility of calling snap elections later this year despite persistent speculation about the subject.
Parties mark out battle lines for next elections
The debate on the government’s growth strategy in Parliament on Wednesday prompted some fierce exchanges between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his opponents in what many see as the drawing of battle lines ahead of the next elections.