Politics
After rocky start, some political backing for SYRIZA but ECB holds key
After a troubling first few days in office, the new Greek government appeared to get a better grip on the tough situation it finds itself in but also revealed that it is totally reliant on the European Central Bank’s support if it is to achieve its goal of reaching a new settlement with the eurozone.
Greece and lenders with conceptual, as well as practical, gaps to bridge
A meeting between on Friday Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis and Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem that ended with a terse handshake and the Dutchman’s obvious displeasure has heightened concern that Greece and its lenders are heading towards a perhaps irreparable rift.
Samaras future unclear as New Democracy enters period of introspection
New Democracy finds itself in a state of unrest after its election defeat on Sunday, with former leader Costas Karamanlis taking an increasingly central role in developments.
Key players in new Greek gov't strike moderate tone but bailout strategy won't change
The new government has had a turbulent first few days as European leaders, international media and markets displayed unease at SYRIZA’s first moves in office. However, this scepticism is unlikely to lead to an immediate shift in tone or direction for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his ministers.
Foreign policy emerges as potential point of friction between EU and new Greek government
Foreign policy, rather than bailout terms or debt relief, is emerging as the first potential point of conflict between Greece and the European Union after the SYRIZA-led government indicated displeasure over calls for further sanctions against Russia due to fighting in eastern Ukraine.
![Photo by Myrto Papadopoulos [www.myrtopapadopoulos.com]](resources/toolip/img-thumb/2014/09/29/parliamentfence_1000_myrto2909-medium.jpg "Photo by Myrto Papadopoulos [www.myrtopapadopoulos.com]")
New Greek cabinet a mixed bag, prompting hope and concern
The new 41-member Greek cabinet – a mixed bag in terms of politics and reputations – was sworn in on Tuesday. Some of the appointments, particularly in the areas of justice and tackling corruption, have been well received but the bakgrounds of the new defense and foreign ministers has caused concern.
New Democracy and PASOK ponder next moves after election defeat
Defeats for New Democracy and PASOK in Sunday’s elections look like triggering developments in both parties over the next few weeks.
In decision to ally with Independent Greeks, Tsipras takes high risk option
Greece's new prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, was sworn in on Monday after electing to form a government with right-wing Independent Greeks, raising further concern about whether the new administration will be able to negotiate successfully with Greece's lenders.
SYRIZA heading for Independent Greeks coalition, with uncertain consequences
Final election results in Greece confirmed what had been expected in the last few days: A convincing win for SYRIZA that leaves the leftist party without a parliamentary majority.
SYRIZA heading for big but maybe not conclusive win, exit polls suggest
The first round of exit polls, made public as polling centers closed at 7 p.m., indicate that SYRIZA will achieve a much larger margin of victory than expected but is not guaranteed to get a parliamentary majority.