Politics
Tsipras hopes to move on after decision on ex-airport project
The government believes that it has overcome the hold-up on the redevelopment of the former Athens airport at Hellenikon, as another opinion poll suggests New Democracy’s lead over SYRIZA is narrowing.
Coalition banks on surplus transfers, waits for Hellenikon verdict
The government is hoping that the distribution of an ample excess primary surplus from this year’s fiscal overperformance will help it win the public relations battle over the draft 2018 budget, which was submitted to Parliament on Monday.
Coalition bolsters unity in face of opposition pressure
Recent attempts by Greece’s opposition parties to drive a wedge between SYRIZA and Independent Greeks (ANEL) appear to have made the coalition members even more determined to stick together and remain in power.
Athens braces for review headwinds due to IMF demands, Berlin changes
The government’s focus on Wednesday appeared to be largely on developments outside Greece as it hopes to avoid possible headwinds during the third review.
Tsipras tries to weather Kammenos storm, looks for poll boost
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will be hoping that he has put an end to any doubts regarding the stability of his coalition with ANEL and its leader, Defence Minister Panos Kammenos, after Parliament voted not to launch an inquiry into the latter’s actions.
Onus on Athens to speed up review after German election result
Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem is due in Athens for talks on Monday and while the main topic of discussion will be the third review, the Greek government will also be concerned about the doubts generated by Germany’s election results.
Coalition looks to regain confidence, centre-left struggles with ballot
The working week drew to a close on Friday with the government apparently in a better mood than at the beginning of the week despite uncomfortable questions about its handling of the Saronic Gulf oil spill and the completion of the third review.
Opposition pressures SYRIZA by refusing to support bills ANEL dodges
New Democracy and PASOK have informed the coalition that they will no longer vote for legislation which does not have the support of both coalition parties, which promises to make life more complicated for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in the months ahead.
Athens wants to keep Ankara lines open despite EU reservations, S-400 deal
Turkey's decision to sign a controversial deal worth 2.14 billion euros with Russia for S-400 anti-aircraft missiles has sparked concerns within NATO and the European Union, putting the Greek government on alert as well.
Tsipras urges swift conclusion of review but doubts linger
Concerned about the possibility of the third review becoming a protracted affair, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has urged his ministers to act quickly to complete the prior actions before the end of the year, which is when the institutions would also like to wrap up matters.