Greek Politics
Siemens trial hitch ratchets up tension between coalition and judiciary
The Siemens cash-for-contracts scandal, which played a significant role in undermining voters’ trust in Greece’s main parties, PASOK and New Democracy, in the past, has reared its head again, prompting a no-holds barred battle between the government and the judiciary.
Coalition goes in search of deciding votes for electoral law, prepares more legislation
Parliament will be at the heart of political activity in Greece in the coming days as the government continues its effort to garner votes for its proposal to change the electoral system, while preparing a series of other bills as well.
Coalition tweaks draft electoral law in hope of clinching supermajority
The government has tweaked the electoral reform bill, hoping that a minor change will increase its chances of gaining the votes of at least 200 MPs so that new system can apply immediately.
Opposition tries to pin government down over last year's Plan X
New Democracy MPs asked the government on Thursday to make public any documents connected with the so-called Plan X that former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis worked on during the first half of last year.
First step in TV licensing process completed as controversy continues
The government has received 11 expressions of interest in the new TV broadcasting licenses it plans to put to tender in August.
Coalition's proposal for PR electoral system unlikely to clinch supermajority
Having put to public consultation on Friday its proposal for changing the electoral law, the government now faces an uphill task in trying to secure the backing of 200 (out of 300) lawmakers so that the new system applies immediately rather than from the general election after the next one.
SYRIZA to suggest switch to proportional representation, schedules congress for Oct
A meeting of SYRIZA’s central committee over the weekend resulted in the party agreeing to hold its congress in mid-October, substantially later than initially scheduled.
Coalition wants next review to be swift despite labour reform complications
The Greek government sought on Wednesday to allay fears about the next programme review being drawn out over a long period of time despite the fact that Athens seems prepared to stand its ground over some of the reforms being demanded by the institutions.
Athens hopes for timely boost from visits by EU officials
The Greek government is hoping that visits to Athens on Tuesday by European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and European Stability Mechanism managing director will provide a timely boost ahead of the referendum in the UK on Thursday, with the outcome of the vote still in doubt.
Tsipras unveils growth plan but little in way of new ideas
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras made the clearest attempt yet on Thursday night to change the negative mood surrounding his government by presenting a growth plan for the coming years.