Greek Politics
New Democracy continues to court right-wing voters with defence package, identity politics
After unveiling a major defence procurement programme and committing to pay rises for the military, PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis continues on his mission to win back right-wing voters.
Mitsotakis unveils major defence package against backdrop of forces pay rise dispute
The government presented on Wednesday its plans for a major shake-up of Greece’s defence capabilities, which PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis claims is needed to equip the armed forces for a new era. The announcement comes after a week of upheaval in New Democracy, as ministers called for pay rises for the military to be rolled out across all emergency services.
Government commits to uniformed personnel pay rises amid clamour for higher incomes
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been forced to commit to pay rises for all uniformed personnel after leading ministers and numerous New Democracy MPs called for those serving in the police, coast guard and fire service to be awarded more pay following the recent announcement of wage increases for the armed forces.
After pay rises in armed forces, PM faces calls for broader wage increases
After announcing wage increases for members of the armed forces last week, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is coming under pressure from members of his own party, including frontline ministers, to raise the salaries of all uniformed personnel.
PM pledges higher wages for armed forces in bid to win over voters, own party
Hot on the heels of announcing the latest increase to the minimum wage, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has revealed that there will be an additional increase to the salaries of members of Greece’s armed forces.
Konstantopoulou dominates opposition politics as PASOK and SYRIZA struggle to make mark
The opposition parties have tried to play down the latest increase to the minimum wage, which the government announced on Wednesday, arguing that it is of little help to Greek households that are struggling to meet rising costs.
Government touts stricter migration controls in bid to win back right-wing support
The New Democracy government is promising a crackdown on illegal migration and a new framework for legal routes into the country as part of an effort to restart the agenda in response to falling ratings and a rise in the popularity of far-right parties.
PM tries to guide government to firmer ground as opposition also faces struggle
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is due to continue on Monday the tour of ministries that he began following his cabinet reshuffle as his government tries to bounce back from the significant hit it has taken from the backlash prompted by its handling of the Tempe train crash and its aftermath.
Bid to by-pass parliamentary inquiry stokes Tempe controversy
The government’s handling of the Tempe issue is generating further acrimony as several opposition parties walked out in protest on Thursday at New Democracy’s intention to support the request of former deputy minister Christos Triantopoulos to by-pass a preliminary inquiry overseen by MPs and head straight to a judicial process.
Opposition outmanoeuvred by fast-track prosecution of first political figure over Tempe
A renewed attempt by opposition parties to bring government politicians to account for its handling of the 2023 Tempe crash looks set for a premature end, as New Democracy lawmakers will vote to send former deputy minister Christos Triantopoulos straight to court.