Greek Politics
Mitsotakis steps up pressure on coalition over wildfire deaths
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis is trying to keep up the pressure on the government following last week’s deadly fires on the outskirts of Athens.
Buckling under pressure of Mati death toll, Tsipras searches for corrective actions
Almost a week on from the wildfire northeast of Athens that caused the deaths of more than 90 people, the government is facing a major political battle due to the horrifying nature of the disaster, questions about how authorities handled the blaze, criticism from opposition parties and a breakdown of the coalition’s crisis management strategy.
Coalition's attempt to defend handling of fatal blaze fails to stem criticism
The government held a late-night news conference on Thursday in an attempt to respond to growing criticism about the way authorities dealt with the fire northeast of Athens that led to more than 80 deaths and amid growing calls for officials to resign.
Government bolsters aid package as questions mount over deadly fires
The coalition has announced further financial aid for victims of the fires around Athens this week as it attempts to respond to the tragedy but there are signs that the seriousness of the situation is taking a toll on the government.
Coalition focuses on relief effort after fires as Mitsotakis holds back on criticism
The coalition appears to be coping so far with the fallout from the deadly forest fires that have claimed at least 79 lives, as the opposition holds back on criticism for the time being.
Deadly wildfires likely to heap pressure on Tsipras and ministers
Devastating wildfires around Athens are thought to have claimed the lives of more than 50 people and wreaked extensive damage in what appears to be the worst disaster of its kind Greece has suffered in more than a decade.
Government indicates readiness to play waiting game on pension cuts
The pension cuts due in 2019 continue to dominate the Greek political agenda, with the latest intervention from a government official suggesting that Athens has no intention of acting on this issue without first reaching an understanding with the European institutions.
Mitsotakis warns party to be ready for elections as political contest intensifies
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis is attempting to ensure that his party will be prepared for the next elections amid concerns that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras may call a snap vote with the aim of catching the conservatives off guard.
SYRIZA working on package of expansionary measures to provide political boost
The package of expansionary measures that will be announced by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) in early September is increasingly the main area of the government's focus.
SYRIZA seeks best path to next general elections
Although clashes over the business activities of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s siblings show no sign of dying down, planning for the next elections seems to be uppermost in the minds of SYRIZA and New Democracy.