Greek Politics
Athens hits back over EU's refugee criticism, but domestic gripes more of a concern
The refugee issue continued to pose a significant challenge to the government over the Christmas break, with Migration Policy Minister Yiannis Mouzalas trying to deflect some of the criticism aimed at Athens, particularly in relation to the conditions at island hot spots.
SYRIZA tweaks auction rules to appease MPs, defends clean exit narrative
The government tweaked on Thursday its amendment regarding property auctions in order to secure the full support of SYRIZA MPs, who had earlier harangued ministers about the provisions relating to protests against foreclosures.
Coalition in last-minute legislative rush, extends helping hand to MPs
Having passed the 2018 budget earlier this week, the government is continuing a busy week of parliamentary activity with a couple of draft laws and several key amendments before the Christmas break.
Budget passed but coalition handouts draw attention
The 2018 budget was approved by Parliament with no problems for the government, although it appears that the coalition may have some explaining to do to the institutions over the package of handouts announced over the last few days.
Parliament gears up for budget vote as auction concerns persist
Parliament is preparing for a vote on the 2018 budget late on Tuesday, with opinion polls giving differing views of the political balance in Greece as the year comes to an end.
Mitsotakis bids for nation's soul, Tsipras ramps up handouts
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis attempted to rally his party over the weekend by launching a strong attack on the government, which Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras tried to repel.
PM stands ground on property auctions despite broad concern
More electronic auctions of repossessed properties took place this week, as the government had agreed with its lenders, but the coalition continues to see these transactions as potentially damaging to its political fortunes.
Tsipras eyes four-year term but snap polls an option after MoU exit
Alexis Tsipras has underlined again his intention to see out his four-year term as prime minister or, at the very least, not to call national elections before Greece has exited the third programme next summer.
Tusk proposals over refugee quotas puts Athens on alert ahead of EU summit
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is said to be steeling himself for a potential clash within the European Union over the fate of refugees, which has also been causing domestic problems of late.
Clock ticks on prior actions as coalition searches for solution on islands
The Greek government is under severe time pressure to complete some 70 prior actions remaining as part of the third review, while property auctions remain a thorn in the coalition’s side.