Greek Politics
Amid crowding concerns, officials reject idea of return to full lockdown
Senior government figures are insisting there will be no return to a full lockdown as concerns over lax observance of hygiene measures intensify. Meanwhile, the government is being accused of lack of transparency over the use of funds for public health campaigns in the emergency pandemic package.
Tsipras struggles to revive and repackage SYRIZA
Opposition leader Alexis Tsipras is still struggling to find his footing since last year’s elections and the much-advertised shift towards the centre-left, with the aim of attracting a greater number of voters, has not yet materialised for SYRIZA.
Rise in new Covid-19 cases raises alarm on eve of reopening to tourism
A fresh spate of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Greece has been causing jitters as the country prepares to reopen its borders with the hope of attracting foreign visitors for the tourist season.
Parties jostle over economic data, public still backs ND approach on pandemic
The publication of preliminary GDP data for the first quarter of the year has sparked a war of words between government officials and the opposition.
First challenges for tourism plan, as public relaxes approach to virus
As the Greek PM and tourism minister prepare to launch a promotional campaign for Greek tourism on Thursday, the government’s plan to attract visitors this summer is starting to come up against challenges of both a practical and a political nature.
Return to school marked by protests over education bill
As primary schools welcomed pupils back after lockdown, teachers are taking to the streets to protest against a major education bill tabled by the New Democracy government.
EU funds seen as cushioning Covid-19 impact, giving govt fiscal space
Greece took another step towards normality on Monday as primary schools reopened along with a range of business, including hotels and catering firms, as the number of deaths from the coronavirus reached 177.
Refugee housing deadline puts spotlight back on migration policy
As the headlines in Greece continue to be dominated by the government’s response to the pandemic and its economic implications, New Democracy’s handling of other issues is starting to come under fire once again.
Govt pushes tourism message, digests EU stimulus proposal
The Greek government, which stands to gain up to 32 billion euros in grants and loans from the Recovery Fund proposed by the European Commission, continues to keep the re-opening of the tourism sector at the top of the its agenda.
Govt and opposition stake out positions on pandemic impact measures
As Greece gradually lifts its emergency measures, the main political parties are using the opportunity to clarify their positions on several key issues to do with managing the pandemic and its aftermath.