Politics
Government's relationship with Stournaras teeters again
The spotlight is back on the government’s fractious relationship with Bank of Greece governor Yannis Stournaras after anti-corruption prosecutors reportedly raided the ex-finance minister’s home on the same day that the central bank blocked coalition-backed nominations for the top positions at troubled Attica Bank.
Uncomfortable questions regarding TV auction mount for coalition
The government is coming under increasing pressure from the opposition and revealing news stories regarding the recent auction for TV licences, which the coalition has held up as a shining example of its determination to take on vested interests and regulate the broadcasting sector.
Athens briefed as talks on Cyprus reunification intensify
United Nations special adviser on the Cyprus issue Espen Barth Eide visited Athens this week to brief Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias on the progress made during last month's intensive talks between the two leaders in Cyprus.
Opposition leaders rule out support for SYRIZA as battle for centre ground looms
The resumption of negotiations with Greece’s lenders and the series of challenges that lie ahead for the government have rekindled speculation about SYRIZA needing a new or extra coalition partner in the months to come.
Tsipras limits pledges and expectations in Thessaloniki
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s eagerly-awaited appearance at the Thessaloniki International Fair over the weekend was marked by his apparent desire to keep expectations regarding handouts and debt relief relatively low, while stressing that economic recovery is close.
Mitsotakis pledges tax cuts, looks for party balance and broad appeal
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis has pledged to reduce the ENFIA property level by 30 percent in his first two years of governing, suggesting that he has identified tax cuts as the main tool for attracting voters to his party.
Stepping up search for alliances, Tsipras welcomes Euro-Med leaders
Before he devotes full attention to the domestic audience, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is hoping to enhance his standing outside Greece by strengthening ties with the Southern European leaders that are due in Athens on Friday for a summit called by the Greek premier.
Effort to unite PASOK and Potami seems to have hit a wall
The project to unite PASOK and To Potami in order to create a dynamic third force in Greek politics with the potential to be a key governing partner or kingmaker appears to be in danger of collapsing.
Talk of refugee returns adds to stretched Greece's anxiety
Germany’s stance on the refugee crisis, amid fears of a worsening situation on Greek islands, is creating considerable anxiety in Athens about how events will unfold in the coming months.
After joy of TV permit auction, Tsipras faces programme restrictions
A crucial week for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras begins with the government hosting a meeting with the representatives of the four firms that were successful in last week’s TV licence auction.