Politics
Electoral law vote brought forward, refugee crisis returns to political agenda
The vote on the government’s proposal regarding a new electoral system will take place on Thursday this week, rather than Friday as had originally been planned.
Greece treads carefully, hoping to avoid blowback from failed coup in Turkey
Like so many countries across the world, Greece viewed the failed coup in Turkey with surprise and concern, although Athens has more reason than most to be wary of what ramifications the botched military uprising could have.
Tsipras eyes connection with voters through changes to constitution, electoral system
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has suggested that he may put planned changes to Greece’s Constitution, including the election of the president by the people rather than Parliament, to a referendum.
Coalition and opposition make proposal and counter-proposal in build-up to electoral law vote
The apparent bartering over the proposed changes to Greece’s electoral law is intensifying as the vote on the government’s bill approaches.
Siemens trial hitch ratchets up tension between coalition and judiciary
The Siemens cash-for-contracts scandal, which played a significant role in undermining voters’ trust in Greece’s main parties, PASOK and New Democracy, in the past, has reared its head again, prompting a no-holds barred battle between the government and the judiciary.
Coalition goes in search of deciding votes for electoral law, prepares more legislation
Parliament will be at the heart of political activity in Greece in the coming days as the government continues its effort to garner votes for its proposal to change the electoral system, while preparing a series of other bills as well.
Russia and China prove hot topics in Tsipras-Obama talks at NATO Summit
Athens views the meeting between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Warsaw on Saturday as fruitful, despite apparent differences concerning relations with Russia.
Tsipras faces challenge in turning promise of China trip into reality
The week in Greek politics has begun with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras getting back down to domestic affairs, such as the pending vote on the changes to the electoral law, but the significance of his trip to China last week continues to resonate.
Coalition tweaks draft electoral law in hope of clinching supermajority
The government has tweaked the electoral reform bill, hoping that a minor change will increase its chances of gaining the votes of at least 200 MPs so that new system can apply immediately.
Opposition tries to pin government down over last year's Plan X
New Democracy MPs asked the government on Thursday to make public any documents connected with the so-called Plan X that former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis worked on during the first half of last year.