Greek Politics
SYRIZA puts spotlight on wildfire impact to stress govt faults
Having attacked the government over its handling of the pandemic, SYRIZA ended the week by resuming the application of pressure regarding the summer wildfires, which cost New Democracy some popularity, although not as much as might have been expected.
Mitsotakis rules out another lockdown, dismisses criticism of new Covid measures
Controversy over the latest raft of Covid-19 measures rumbles on, with the opposition accusing the government of double standards and political opportunism and industry reacting to the cost of implementation. On Wednesday, PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the government’s choices in a TV interview which is already provoking strong reactions.
Govt targets unvaccinated with new Covid restrictions, drawing more claims of muddled approach
The government has decided to respond to the latest Covid wave by tightening restrictions for unvaccinated Greeks, triggering criticism from opposition parties that New Democracy lacks a coherent plan for confronting the new pandemic surge and continues to be too lenient towards the church.
Govt responds to report on deadly incident with tougher policing measures, as critics call for rethink
The official report into an incident in which police fired shots at a fleeing car, killing one occupant and injuring another following a high-speed chase, has prompted the government to announce a series of tough new policing measures.
Worrying Covid data forces ND to take tough policy decisions
Central and local government officials held an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss ways of strengthening the public health system, particularly in northern Greece, in the wake of more worrying Covid data.
Minister discounts lockdowns, vaccine mandate extension amid Covid surge
Health Minister Thanos Plevris has once again denied that the government plans to impose horizontal restrictions or extend the vaccination mandate to combat the surge in cases of Covid-19.
Covid resurgence triggers replay of last year's political debate
In a virtual re-run of last autumn, the government is facing a surge in Covid cases and hospitalisations, particularly in northern Greece, prompting fresh questioning of its policy choices regarding the pandemic.
Police actions in spotlight again after fatal shooting
A fatal shooting by police officers following a high-speed pursuit has once again attracted controversy around procedures and accountability in the force, as well as the effects of the government’s “law and order” agenda.
Gennimata's death casts shadow over politics, KINAL leadership race
Greek politics was overshadowed on Monday by the news that Movement for Change (KINAL) leader Fofi Gennimata had died after recent complications with her long-running battle against cancer.
Minister stresses limits on hospital resources as Covid rates continue to rise
Rising infection rates and pressure on hospitals are leading to renewed concerns about the capacity of the healthcare system to handle a further escalation in Covid-19 cases. With a national lockdown ruled out, attention is focussing on boosting the lagging vaccination rate and the possible reintroduction of mask mandates.