Greek Politics
Tsipras gets approval for gender bill despite coalition partner's absence
The government made it through Tuesday’s vote on the draft legislation allowing Greeks to change their gender identity without needing medical treatment.
PM's Washington visit looms over domestic politics, review schedule
Although the government remains committed to trying to complete the review as soon as possible, its efforts are likely to be overshadowed in the coming days by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s visit to Washington.
Mitsotakis targets working class votes, centre-left struggles with leadership race
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis is trying to strengthen his connection with the working class – a section of society where his party is competing for votes with SYRIZA, which has repeatedly highlighted its efforts to protect the most vulnerable.
Tsipras hopes to move on after decision on ex-airport project
The government believes that it has overcome the hold-up on the redevelopment of the former Athens airport at Hellenikon, as another opinion poll suggests New Democracy’s lead over SYRIZA is narrowing.
Coalition banks on surplus transfers, waits for Hellenikon verdict
The government is hoping that the distribution of an ample excess primary surplus from this year’s fiscal overperformance will help it win the public relations battle over the draft 2018 budget, which was submitted to Parliament on Monday.
Coalition bolsters unity in face of opposition pressure
Recent attempts by Greece’s opposition parties to drive a wedge between SYRIZA and Independent Greeks (ANEL) appear to have made the coalition members even more determined to stick together and remain in power.
Athens braces for review headwinds due to IMF demands, Berlin changes
The government’s focus on Wednesday appeared to be largely on developments outside Greece as it hopes to avoid possible headwinds during the third review.
Tsipras tries to weather Kammenos storm, looks for poll boost
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will be hoping that he has put an end to any doubts regarding the stability of his coalition with ANEL and its leader, Defence Minister Panos Kammenos, after Parliament voted not to launch an inquiry into the latter’s actions.
Onus on Athens to speed up review after German election result
Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem is due in Athens for talks on Monday and while the main topic of discussion will be the third review, the Greek government will also be concerned about the doubts generated by Germany’s election results.
Coalition looks to regain confidence, centre-left struggles with ballot
The working week drew to a close on Friday with the government apparently in a better mood than at the beginning of the week despite uncomfortable questions about its handling of the Saronic Gulf oil spill and the completion of the third review.