Politics
Kotzias visit to Washington still leaves some doubts about US stance
A trip by Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias to Washington this week provided an opportunity for the Greek government to exchange views with the US administration but did not necessarily clear up the doubts about Washington’s stance on a range of issues that are of particular interest to Athens.
Sceptical mood in SYRIZA, pending agreement with creditors
The Greek government swiftly dismissed unsubstantiated rumours on Thursday morning about Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras preparing to call snap elections but it is clear that as long as there is no significant progress in its talks with the institutions such speculation will intensify.
Slow progress on fiscal, impasse on labour keep review deal on hold
There have been no visible signs of major progress in the discussions between Greece and its lenders this week, suggesting that the best-case scenario would be the conclusion of a staff-level agreement ahead of the April 7 Eurogroup rather than the one on March 20.
In absence of deal with lenders, some in SYRIZA keep political options open
A comment by Interior Minister Panos Skourletis on Monday regarding the need for any agreement with the institutions to be approved by a qualified majority in Parliament has revived speculation about the possibility of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras struggling to convince his MPs to support the deal.
Labour reforms, fiscal measures loom largest as Athens resumes talks with lenders
Negotiations between Greece and its lenders are due to continue via teleconference this week with the aim of the various parties at least moving closer to a staff-level agreement by the time eurozone finance ministers meet on March 20.
Tsipras invokes political solution to resolve labour reform stand-off
The departure of the institutions from Athens on Friday gives the Greek government a chance to regroup ahead of a new round of talks next week, although these will be via teleconference to begin with.
Key obstacles remain in bailout negotiations for pressured govt
The government has proclaimed progress in the latest talks with the institutions, which were due to continue on Wednesday, but it remains to be seen whether there have been any significant advances towards a staff-level agreement (SLA) and a conclusion of the review.
All-round concern about Greek-Turkish tension in run-up to referendum
Diplomatic sources and analysts are concerned about a possible escalation of tension in the Aegean as Turkey heads for a referendum on April 16 that would pave the way for the introduction of an executive presidency to replace the existing parliamentary system and the abolition of the office of Prime Minister among other institutional changes.
Amid review doubts, changes to constitution back on main agenda
Amid uncertainty regarding the course of the negotiations between Athens and the institutions, the Greek government sought to switch the domestic agenda on Tuesday by focussing on plans to overhaul Greece’s constitutions.
Lack of trade-offs for Athens keep deal with creditors out of reach
The lack of progress during this weekend’s talks between Greece and the institutions has lowered hopes of an imminent deal between the various parties, leading to a staff-level agreement (SLA) being struck by the March 20 Eurogroup