MacroPolis

All the numbers that matter in the Greek presidential election

09/12/2014 - 12:40

The government’s surprise announcement on Monday that it is bringing forward the presidential election by two months marks the start of a desperate scramble for the votes of independent and opposition MPs that will determine whether the coalition survives or whether Greece heads for early national polls.

Samaras, Venizelos opt for earlier presidential vote in high-risk strategy to save coalition

08/12/2014 - 23:10

The government has decided to move forward by around two months the presidential vote in Parliament, with the first roll call ballot taking place on December 17, followed by the second three days later and the final round on December 29.

Greek MPs pass 2015 budget but give few clues for presidential vote

08/12/2014 - 02:05

The government won the vote for the 2015 budget in the early hours of Monday but the result provided few clues about how the presidential ballot, due in mid-February, could pan out.

Samaras finger wagging at troika a sign of pressure on Greek government

03/12/2014 - 11:04

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras took the unusual step of criticising the troika on Tuesday, an indication of how frustrated the government feels as it is squeezed between lenders’ demands and domestic political pressures.

Tsipras remains sketchy on coalition options, negotiating positions

02/12/2014 - 13:10

SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras gave on Monday his first televised interview since his party’s victory in the European Parliament elections but provided little new information regarding to his intentions for governing.

Two more parties prepare to step onto overcrowded Greek political stage

02/12/2014 - 11:44

The fragmentation of Greek politics shows no sign of abating: The creation of another two parties – on opposite sides of the political spectrum – has been announced.

Tsipras shuns growing calls for compromise on presidential vote

01/12/2014 - 09:15

Despite a flurry of calls for the government and the opposition to come to a compromise over the presidential candidate, putting an end to speculation about early elections, SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras made it clear over the weekend that his party is in no mood to compromise.

New bribe claims likely to poison Greek politics further ahead of presidential vote

28/11/2014 - 12:47

Fresh claims of attempts to bribe opposition MPs ahead of February’s presidential vote have surfaced in Greek politics but there are doubts about whether they are well-founded and if they will have any discernable impact.

Lack of troika deal leaves Greek coalition looking at bailout extension

27/11/2014 - 10:17

Hopes that a second round of talks between Greece and the troika in Paris would bring about a swift conclusion to the programme review were dashed on Wednesday when negotiations ended without any significant agreement.

Coalition hopes it will have more than just Paris at the end of troika talks

25/11/2014 - 11:37

Greek government officials go into two days of talks with troika representatives in Paris on Tuesday that are likely to be decisive in determining the future of the coalition.