Greek Politics
Restrictive leaders' debate produces little to move election needle
Wednesday night’s leaders’ debate did not seem to produce any surprises of the kind that could greatly affect the outcome of the May 21 elections, which New Democracy is on course to win, according to all opinion polls.
Leaders gear up for debate as ND maintains opinion poll lead
The leaders of Greece’s parliamentary parties are preparing for the only televised debate that will take place before the May 21 elections, which New Democracy is still on course to win and, at least, prevent the opposition from being able to form the next government.
ND and SYRIZA clash over costing of opposition economic programme
Opposition SYRIZA is accusing New Democracy of using lies and propaganda in an attempt to discredit their economic programme, in the latest dispute over rival claims in the run-up to national elections.
Mitsotakis pledges more benefits in bid to tap SYRIZA strongholds
Less than two weeks are left until Greece goes to the polls and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is pulling out all the stops as he tries to pave the way to his re-election.
Tsipras appeals to PASOK over coalition, but ND appears to be in driving seat
SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras is stepping up his appeals to PASOK over a potential governing coalition, but opinion polls are suggesting that it is increasingly unlikely the left-wing party will be in a position to lead a majority government and that, instead, New Democracy is on course to return to power in one form or another.
Tsipras pitches SYRIZA election manifesto as basis for progressive coalition
The official launch of SYRIZA’s election programme was framed by leader Alexis Tsipras as an invitation to like-minded political forces to find common ground for long-term cooperation.
Far-right party banned, possibly reducing threshold for election majority
The Supreme Court’s decision on Tuesday to ban the far-right Ellines from taking part in the upcoming elections could have a significant impact on the possibility of a majority government being formed, particularly if there is a second vote.
Parties focus May Day messages on contrasting employment claims
Campaign rallies taking place on May Day gave the main contenders in Greece’s upcoming parliamentary elections an opportunity to highlight their employment policies, with each claiming to have done more to advance the interests of working people.
Androulakis keeps coalition options open as polls suggest deadlock likely in first vote
PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis is trying to lay his claim to a role in the next government as yet another opinion poll published this week shows an uptick in support for the ruling New Democracy party ahead of the May 21 elections.
Mitsotakis asks voters for four more years to deliver high-wage, low-tax programme
New Democracy pledged more growth and investment in services, efficient government and stronger defence in a five-pillar plan laid out by leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis.