Politics
Criticism of Athens "Great Walk" prompts debate on public spaces
The “Great Walk”, a new traffic management plan for central Athens implemented by Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis in the wake of the lockdown, is attracting growing criticism from planning experts, the media and the public.
More flights land at airports, but tourism expectations remain grounded
The spotlight fell on Greece’s tourism sector on Wednesday as regional airports, including on the islands, reopened to international flights, rekindling hopes that the arrival of visitors from abroad will boost the scant receipts gained so far this year by the industry.
Bill to regulate demonstrations stirs opposition reaction
Legislation aimed at regulating public demonstrations, which the ruling New Democracy deems necessary to restore order to city streets, is due to be debated in Parliament this week.
Mitsotakis-Erdogan call seen as first step to possible thaw in relations
The telephone call last Friday between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seen by diplomatic sources in Athens as a first step for both sides to overcome the dead-end to which the recent lack of communication had been leading.
ND tweaking stimulus measures as SYRIZA flounders in Novartis backwash
The Greek government is continuing to search for ways in which it can provide financial support to local businesses, mitigating the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Rival parties interpret Novartis settlement differently, serving own ends
The decision taken by drugs giant Novartis to pay 347 mln dollars to US authorities for corrupt practices in Greece, as well as South Korea, Vietnam and China, has added more fuel to the political battle between New Democracy and SYRIZA, which has been raging over the last few days as result of graft allegations.
Tourism sector struggles as it prepares for full reopening in July
Greek resort areas prepare to welcome the first tourists of the season, with regional airports due to reopen to international flights on July 1.
ND braces for deeper economic impact from Covid-19, mulls more assistance
With New Democracy and SYRIZA locked in an intense verbal battle over alleged scandals, the impact of the coronavirus on the Greek economy has moved down the political agenda for now.
Novartis scandal causes allegations between govt and opposition to fly
A parliamentary inquiry into the role of the judiciary in the Novartis affair was the scene of renewed clashes between New Democracy and SYRIZA on Monday, rekindling allegations of political corruption first raised under the previous administration.
ND feeling fiscal pressure as row over media handouts rumbles on
The latest macroeconomic data has highlighted the fiscal pressure that is mounting on Greece’s centre-right government, especially as it hopes to return to its programme of tax cuts later this year.