Greek Politics
OPEKEPE inquiry sparks new political clash as despondent public looks on
The parliamentary inquiry into the OPEKEPE farming subsidy scandal has been thrown into turmoil, with the government being accused by the opposition of ensuring that a key witness Giorgos Xylouris – a Cretan farmer and former New Democracy member nicknamed “Frappé” - will not testify.
US-China port spat gives Athens taste of diplomatic challenges ahead
The Chinese embassy in Athens has issued a pointed rebuke to comments by the US ambassador about the ownership of Piraeus port, highlighting the risks posed by the Greek government’s growing alignment with Washington.
Government outlines plans for rival port to Piraeus in strategic partnership with US
Greece’s strategic alignment with the US came one step closer with the announcement of plans to upgrade the port of Elefsina, west of Athens, as a rival to the COSCO-owned port of Piraeus.
Mitsotakis dismisses poll speculation, promises swift housing relief and rural support
In a wide-ranging interview with public broadcaster ERTnews on Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sought to reassert control over the political narrative, dismissing speculation about early elections and doubling down on his government’s reform agenda.
PM focusses on long game as opposition faces crucial period
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is aiming to play a long game ahead of the next elections and is trying to keep New Democracy MPs on the same page despite their obvious disappointment about the centre-right party’s lacklustre opinion poll numbers.
PM prepares to defend inflation fight against backdrop of political gridlock
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is due to respond in Parliament this Friday to opposition questions about the measures the government is taking to tackle inflation, which remains a top concern for voters.
Prospect of US involvement jump-starts Greece-Cyprus power link
The positive climate created by the firming up of relations between Athens and Washington over the past week appears to have re-energised the stalled diplomatic process around the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), a strategic infrastructure project to join Cyprus to the European power grid.
New Democracy losing grip on regions as farmers’ protests highlight rural frustration
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis experienced first-hand the frustration of local farmers on an eventful visit to northeastern Greece on Tuesday, as the latest poll shows support for New Democracy plummeting in the regions.
Mitsotakis seeks to appease farmers as they sow grievances on streets of Athens
As farmers rallied in Athens on Tuesday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was in the Rhodope region, a key agricultural area in northeastern Greece, where he announced a 50 pct increase in the fuel tax rebate cap for farmers.
PM hopes energy, US deals offer political lifeline as Samaras drags him towards domestic mire
Following a week of high-profile diplomacy and bold declarations, during which Greece tried to thrust itself onto the global energy stage, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is hoping to turn the moment into a political turning point at home.