Greek Politics
Govt under fire for testing and requisitioning plans as further lockdown easing postponed
On Monday the authorities announced 1,707 new cases of Covid-19, 69 deaths and 681 patients intubated in ICUs. There were 394 new admissions with Covid in hospitals across the country.
Dire conditions at public hospitals fuel opposition attacks on govt competence
The week began as the last one ended, with the national health system under immense pressure from Covid-19 and the government trying to find ways to cope with the crisis while under fire from the opposition.
Govt prepares to tweak Covid strategy and labour laws
All eyes were on the government’s decision regarding the relaxation of lockdown measures on Friday, as Covid-19 continued to spread across Greece.
EU digital certificate seen as boost for tourism against backdrop of worsening pandemic
The European Commission’s decision to back the issuance of so-called “Digital Green Certificates” for travel has been welcomed by PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis as a potential boost for Greek tourism.
Relaxation of lockdown considered despite worrying Covid data
Even though the public health system remains under severe pressure due to Covid-19, the government is planning an imminent relaxation of lockdown measures in what seems to be an admission that the Greek public has become fatigued and that this is having political consequences.
Protests and policing shake up political agenda as early election scenarios resurface
The controversy over growing protests and the reaction of the police continued over the three-day weekend which marked the start of Lent in Greece, prompting what seems increasingly like a strategic turning point for the country’s main political parties.
Police and protests at centre of political leaders' debate
The recent arguments over police brutality and street violence were aired in Parliament on Friday as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sought to hit back at allegations that his government is allowing officers to act with impunity by proposing a range of measures to monitor and improve their behaviour.
Govt unveils new Covid support measures amid growing public anxiety
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Thursday the continuation of economic support measures through April, as the persistence of Covid-19 infection rates raises the likelihood of another extension to the lockdown.
Clashes add to political tension over division, police violence
Greece revealed its worst Covid-19 data so far this year on Tuesday but that was overshadowed by the clashes that broke out in the Nea Smyrni neighbourhood of Athens following a protest against police violence.
Govt lays out path to lockdown easing despite growing pressure on hospitals
The government in Athens is signalling a gradual easing of the lockdown, despite continuing pressure on the health system from Covid-19 cases. While most reports are pointing to a further week of restrictions beyond the current end date of 16 March, planning is already underway to determine the sequence of steps to reopening.