Greek Politics
Auctions, strikes trouble Tsipras but focus still on programme exit
The busy few weeks ahead for the government, as well as the sensitivity of some of the measures that need to be carried out, have rekindled speculation about whether the pressure might become too much for the SYRIZA-led coalition, forcing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to consider snap elections even before the third programme has been concluded.
SYRIZA in tight spot over strikes but poll deficit still closing
The imminent visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan means that the main focus of the Greek government for the rest of the week will be on foreign policy issues.
Mitsotakis rules out roles for relatives, Tsipras mulls way out of pension cuts
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis caught the headlines over the weekend by pledging to exclude his sister, former foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis, and other relatives from government if he comes to power.
Opposition keeps spotlight on arms deal as coalition looks for way out
New Democracy attempted on Thursday to renew the pressure on the coalition over the stalled sale of ammunition to Saudi Arabia, a deal which the government is hoping to extricate itself from in the near future.
Centre-left agrees on new name, starts building party structure
The name of the new centre-left grouping in Greek politics has been decided, now officials are due to start work on building up the structure of the party, which hopes to become a third force after SYRIZA and New Democracy.
Tussle over arms deal sets tone for polarised politics
Despite their best efforts, neither the government nor the opposition could convincingly claim victory in the debate over the stalled arms deal with Saudi Arabia on Monday.
Coalition battles it out with opposition over ammunition sale
Greek Parliament debated on Monday allegations against Defence Minister Panos Kammenos in connection with a proposed sale of ammunition to Saudi Arabia, which led to the government and the opposition trading accusations but neither delivering a fatal blow.
Parliament to take up Kammenos allegations next week
Parliament will discuss on Monday the allegations regarding a deal to sell ammunition to Saudi Arabia that was overseen by Defence Minister Panos Kammenos.
ND puts pressure on Kammenos, a potential weak link in coalition
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras asked on Wednesday for a parliamentary debate regarding allegations about Defence Minister Panos Kammenos and efforts to secure a deal to sell ammunition to Saudi Arabia through a middleman to be postponed.
Broad support in Parliament for handouts amid mixed signals from polls
Greek MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of redistributing 1.4 billion euros from this year’s excess primary surplus on Monday night even though voters do not seem convinced that the government’s handout is the best use of the spare cash.