Greek Politics
Tsipras eyes four-year term but snap polls an option after MoU exit
Alexis Tsipras has underlined again his intention to see out his four-year term as prime minister or, at the very least, not to call national elections before Greece has exited the third programme next summer.
Tusk proposals over refugee quotas puts Athens on alert ahead of EU summit
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is said to be steeling himself for a potential clash within the European Union over the fate of refugees, which has also been causing domestic problems of late.
Clock ticks on prior actions as coalition searches for solution on islands
The Greek government is under severe time pressure to complete some 70 prior actions remaining as part of the third review, while property auctions remain a thorn in the coalition’s side.
Auctions, strikes trouble Tsipras but focus still on programme exit
The busy few weeks ahead for the government, as well as the sensitivity of some of the measures that need to be carried out, have rekindled speculation about whether the pressure might become too much for the SYRIZA-led coalition, forcing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to consider snap elections even before the third programme has been concluded.
SYRIZA in tight spot over strikes but poll deficit still closing
The imminent visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan means that the main focus of the Greek government for the rest of the week will be on foreign policy issues.
Mitsotakis rules out roles for relatives, Tsipras mulls way out of pension cuts
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis caught the headlines over the weekend by pledging to exclude his sister, former foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis, and other relatives from government if he comes to power.
Opposition keeps spotlight on arms deal as coalition looks for way out
New Democracy attempted on Thursday to renew the pressure on the coalition over the stalled sale of ammunition to Saudi Arabia, a deal which the government is hoping to extricate itself from in the near future.
Centre-left agrees on new name, starts building party structure
The name of the new centre-left grouping in Greek politics has been decided, now officials are due to start work on building up the structure of the party, which hopes to become a third force after SYRIZA and New Democracy.
Tussle over arms deal sets tone for polarised politics
Despite their best efforts, neither the government nor the opposition could convincingly claim victory in the debate over the stalled arms deal with Saudi Arabia on Monday.
Coalition battles it out with opposition over ammunition sale
Greek Parliament debated on Monday allegations against Defence Minister Panos Kammenos in connection with a proposed sale of ammunition to Saudi Arabia, which led to the government and the opposition trading accusations but neither delivering a fatal blow.