Politics
Tsipras points to tax cuts as example of bailout exit benefits
Alexis Tsipras argued in Parliament on Wednesday, as the coalition unveiled the details of this year’s “social dividend” and the reduction to ENFIA property level and corporation levy to be implemented next year, that his government is only now beginning to show its true colours as far as economic and fiscal policy are concerned.
Developments, poll data spark new round of speculation over elections
There has been renewed speculation in the Greek media over the past few days about the timing of the next elections, with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said to be considering a snap vote even as early as March.
Tsipras talks up 'positive' measures but polls show little impact so far
Emboldened by the success of rescuing pensions from further cuts next year and delivering a budget for 2019 that includes 910 million euros in “positive” measures, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras taunted his political rivals on Thursday even though opinion polls have yet to show any change in voters’ preferences.
Territorial waters, hydrocarbon research cause friction between Athens and Ankara
Tension between Greece and Turkey has been relatively high over the last couple of weeks due to developments related to hydrocarbon research in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Pension deal rekindles speculation about election date
The government getting its way over the pension cuts that had been lined up for 2019, but which will no longer be included in next year’s budget, has rekindled speculation about when Alexis Tsipras would prefer to hold elections.
Tsipras encounters obstacle in efforts to secure church deal
The government’s efforts to reach a deal with the Church of Greece have become the subject of a political battle between SYRIZA and New Democracy, which have also been trading accusations over alleged corruption scandals.
Coalition closing in on goal of cancelling pension cuts
The Greek government moved a step closer on Thursday to securing the much sought-after goal of not having to implement next year the pension cuts it committed to in 2017.
Eyeing domestic gains, Tsipras pursues closer ties with Europe's social democrats
Alexis Tsipras appears to be stepping up his efforts to anchor SYRIZA, which until recently boasted a radical leftist identity, within the group of European social democratic parties and, in the process, complete the transformation of his image from firebrand to mainstream politician.
Coalition optimistic about pension cuts deal as it readies reduction to contributions
The Greek government is encouraged about the prospects of reaching an agreement with the institutions on pension cuts this week as it continues its drive to legislate the so-called “positive measures.”
With eye on elections, Tsipras talks up public sector hirings
After the overwhelming approval in Parliament on Thursday for the transfer of 820 million euros in backpay to thousands of civil servants, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras sought to build on this momentum by focussing on imminent hirings in the public sector.