Politics
New Democracy sticks by snap polls call as gov't looks to probe, tender for relief
Following Tuesday night’s tempestuous debate in Parliament, New Democracy stole a march on an apparently unprepared government by tabling on Wednesday a proposal for a parliamentary committee to investigate last year’s bailout negotiations, the imposition of capital controls and the bank recapitalisation.
Optimism for Cyprus solution abounds but talks at delicate phase
A visit by European Parliament president Martin Schulz to Cyprus on Wednesday added to the sense that the EU is holding out high hopes for a successful conclusion to the island’s reunification talks this year.
Calls for snap polls, parliamentary probes set tone for polarised politics
Tuesday night’s parliamentary debate, which was supposed to focus on judicial issues, turned into a slanging match between the government and the opposition and set the tone for the upcoming months as far as the Greek political scene is concerned.
Obstacles to centre-left alliance in Greek politics piling up
PASOK leader Fofi Gennimata is set to begin touring the country to raise the profile of her party but has not given up hope of brokering an alliance with some of its rivals even though this is increasingly looking like a non-starter.
Declining flow of refugees gives struggling government some hope
There have been some encouraging signs over the last few days that the European Union’s agreement with Turkey may be leading to a drop in the number of refugees crossing to Greece, thereby easing the pressure on the government.
Withdrawal of NGOs from refugee centres puts pressure on Greece to fill void
The departure of non-governmental organisations from hot spots and other centres where refugees and migrants are gathered in Greece is putting extra pressure on the coalition over its management of the crisis.
Brussels attacks prompt fears in Athens over handling of refugee crisis
Athens strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Brussels and expressed its “profound grief at this heinous crime” but is seriously concerned about the consequences this may have on the refugee crisis and especially on the implementation of the EU–Turkey deal secured in the Belgian capital last week.
New nationalist party in the making
The creation of a new right-wing nationalist party in Greece appears to be at an advanced stage, with an announcement of its launch expected within days.
Assorted obstacles block path to change of parties in coalition
Last week’s unrest in government ranks over Migration Policy Minister Yiannis Mouzalas referring to Greece’s neighbour as “Macedonia” sparked speculation that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras might part ways with coalition partner Panos Kammenos and his Independent Greeks (ANEL) party.
Greek relief at EU-Turkey refugee deal but heavy lifting lies ahead
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras declared himself satisfied with the outcome of Friday’s EU-Turkey summit on refugees and said its content, particularly the references to the accession chapters that will open for Ankara, represented a diplomatic victory for Athens.