Politics
ND unveils labour bill as parties line up for head-on clash over reforms
Labour Minister Kostis Hatzidakis was due to present the government’s contentious labour reforms on Wednesday, with a view to launching a public consultation period so the bill could then be adopted by the end of May or in early June.
Greece prepares for next stage in Covid relaxation as tourism hopes hang in balance
The next steps in Greece’s gradual emergence from a six-month lockdown are set to be confirmed on Wednesday, although Covid-19 numbers have eased only marginally and there are doubts about the tourism sector’s ability to capitalise on the official reopening from Friday.
Tussle over labour reforms shaping up as spark for broader political battle
The government’s proposed labour market reforms and the extent to which they open up ideological divisions and show whether New Democracy has a progressive vision for Greece’s future are the issues at the core of the country’s political debate at the moment.
Amid patent waiver row, govt hoping to push ahead with reopening
The government is hoping that the scientific committee advising it over its Covid-19 policy will agree on Friday to a further relaxation of the lockdown restrictions, building on the recent reopening of the retail and food service sectors.
Late May Day rallies highlight divides in left and labour movement
A general strike and late May Day protest were held in Greece on Thursday in protest against upcoming labour legislation by the New Democracy government.
Vaccination weak spots still a concern as govt aims for better summer
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has assured an international audience that the Covid-19 situation in Greece will be much better over the coming months even though there has not been a significant reduction in pressure on public hospitals and some weaknesses in the vaccination process remain.
Common ground absent after latest round of Cyprus discussions
The informal talks on the Cyprus issue under the auspices of the United Nations concluded last Thursday with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres admitting that the meeting failed to find common ground.
Slide in press freedom rankings casts spotlight on govt relations with media
The Greek government’s media policies have come under the spotlight again as the country appeared to backslide in international rankings of press freedom.
Govt hopes opening of cafes and bars marks next step in return to normality
A day after Greeks celebrated Orthodox Easter, the country’s cafes, bars and restaurants reopened on Monday after a six-month absence, albeit only with outdoor seating.
After submitting RRF plan, govt turns to challenges of delivery
After officially submitting its national RRF plan to the European Commission this week, attention in Greece is turning to the challenges of implementation.