Greek Politics
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.
New Democracy fires back at Tsipras over corruption allegations
The polarisation that many expect to be a key feature of Greek politics in the build-up to the next elections is becoming more evident as SYRIZA and New Democracy trade accusations over scandals.
Change to date of local elections adds to expectations of May national vote
The chances of general elections being held next May are rising, especially after the government agreed on Wednesday to hold local and European Parliament elections together.
New Democracy gains MP as new effort to launch nationalist party announced
New Democracy gained an MP on Tuesday but also received the news that a new party will be formed to its right.
SYRIZA targets pensions boost as New Democracy builds on poll lead
The possible cancellation of next year’s pension cuts and steps to increase the minimum wage are among the main issues that the government is focusing on as it seeks to claw back New Democracy’s large opinion poll lead over SYRIZA.
Blueprint for election battle laid out in Parliament debate
A parliamentary debate on the third anniversary of the 2015 referendum provided an opportunity for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis to warm up their engines ahead of what promises to be a long battle before the next elections.
Coalition back-and-forth over name deal belies election strategy
Government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos was insistent on Wednesday that there is no need for the coalition to seek a qualified majority in Parliament for the approval of the Macedonia name deal, thereby dismissing the request made by Independent Greeks (ANEL) leader and Defence Minister Panos Kammenos.