Greek Politics
Government steels itself for protests, looks for positive in polls
Having completed the bailout review, the coalition’s main task this week will be to steel itself for, and then respond to, anti-government protests planned for Wednesday.
![Photo by Myrto Papadopoulos [www.myrtopapadopoulos.com]](resources/toolip/img-thumb/2013/12/15/pasok_myrto_1000_1512-medium.jpg "Photo by Myrto Papadopoulos [www.myrtopapadopoulos.com]")
PASOK and Potami aim to firm up joint platform
After several weeks of deliberations, PASOK and To Potami are preparing to present their common policy platform in a show of partial unity that may act a as a precursor to the two parties joining forces at the next elections.
Coalition and New Democracy at odds over anti-government protests
The government distanced itself on Thursday from comments made by Education Minister Nikos Fylis in which he suggested plans to hold next week protests in Athens and Thessaloniki against the government are at the “outer edge of what is permissible” under the Greek constitution.
Greece and Albania seek path to resolving stack of differences
The foreign ministers of Greece and Albania, who met in Tirana, on Monday agreed a “road map” to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries.
Potential changes to constitution and electoral law move onto main agenda
The government looks set to present its proposals regarding changes to the Greek constitution in the coming weeks, spokeswoman Olga Gerovasili suggested on Tuesday.
Coalition lines up draft legislation with aim of shifting debate and mood
The government is hoping Monday will mark the beginning of its attempt to improve its ratings after a difficult few months during its efforts to conclude the programme review.
Greece passes bailout-related amendments, hopes for loan disbursal in days
Having passed the amendments requested by the institutions so the programme review can be completed, the government is looking forward to getting its hands on the much-needed 7.5-billion-euro tranche.
Beleaguered coalition makes quick attempt to dampen offshore controversy
Following an all-round negative reaction to a provision that appeared to relax the restrictions on politicians and public officials being involved in offshore firms, the government attempted on Wednesday to restore the damage done to its reputation by making an amendment to the legislation passed last month.
Linking of ex-PM with centre-left role highlights inertia, not momentum
Rumours have resurfaced regarding former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis stepping forward to spearhead the revival of Greece’s centre-left but they seem to be a confirmation of the difficulties local social democrats are having rather than any sign that momentum could be building.
Reshuffle speculation mounts as offshore law sparks new political row
SYRIZA’s credibility with its more traditional supporters is likely to be tested further by claims over the weekend that the government passed under the cover of the recent multi-bill legislation that allows MPs, ministers and other state officials to be involved in offshore companies.