Greek Politics
Tsipras wins domestic support for pension bonus but key struggles lie abroad
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras heads for talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Friday boosted by broad support in Greek Parliament for his controversial pledge for a Christmas bonus to 1.6 million pensioners and knowing that he has put main opposition party New Democracy in a tricky position.
Lenders' reaction to pension pledge leaves Tsipras short of options
Greece’s negotiations with its lenders became more complex on Wednesday when the European Stability Mechanism revealed that it has put on hold the implementation of short-term debt relief measures agreed at this month’s Eurogroup because of doubts regarding the benefits for pensioners announced by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras last week.
Flare-up between Athens and IMF fuels doubts over review breakthrough
The omens for a productive visit by the institutions’ mission chiefs to Athens did not look particularly good on Monday as the dispute between Greece and the International Monetary Fund over fiscal targets in particular intensified just before talks were due to resume.
Tsipras weighs up options amid concern about mired talks
Signs are growing that the government is becoming increasingly concerned about its chances of concluding the second review.
Tsipras springs surprise with handout pledge for pensioners
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras sprung a surprise on Thursday evening, when he announced that the government plans to redistribute this year’s primary surplus overperformance to some of those who have been affected most by the crisis.
SYRIZA backlash following Kammenos trip to islands
SYRIZA’s awkward symbiosis with its coalition partner, Independent Greeks (ANEL), has come to the fore again this week.
Athens sees flexibility on fiscal targets, singles out IMF over role
There was a fairly subdued reaction from the government to the outcome of Monday’s Eurogroup, although the coalition did turn its fire on the International Monetary Fund and indicated it would strive to avoid having to agree any new measures now.
New poll hurts coalition's recovery hopes as Turkey threat grows
Another day and another set of worrying poll results for the government, which despite the negative data will be more concerned with escalating tension with Turkey.
New Democracy applies pressure as coalition prepares for tough December
Seeing the government still struggling to conclude the second review, which has prompted speculation about whether this could lead to political developments, New Democracy has chosen to make it absolutely clear that it will not consent to a cross-party administration being formed and to reiterate its call for snap elections.
As Greeks wait for Brussels deal, general dissatisfaction reigns at home
As Greece waits to see the outcome of the ongoing talks with its lenders, the general sense of dissatisfaction among voters was highlighted in a new opinion poll published on Wednesday.