Politics
Flare-up between Athens and IMF fuels doubts over review breakthrough
The omens for a productive visit by the institutions’ mission chiefs to Athens did not look particularly good on Monday as the dispute between Greece and the International Monetary Fund over fiscal targets in particular intensified just before talks were due to resume.
Tsipras weighs up options amid concern about mired talks
Signs are growing that the government is becoming increasingly concerned about its chances of concluding the second review.
Tsipras springs surprise with handout pledge for pensioners
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras sprung a surprise on Thursday evening, when he announced that the government plans to redistribute this year’s primary surplus overperformance to some of those who have been affected most by the crisis.
SYRIZA backlash following Kammenos trip to islands
SYRIZA’s awkward symbiosis with its coalition partner, Independent Greeks (ANEL), has come to the fore again this week.
Athens sees flexibility on fiscal targets, singles out IMF over role
There was a fairly subdued reaction from the government to the outcome of Monday’s Eurogroup, although the coalition did turn its fire on the International Monetary Fund and indicated it would strive to avoid having to agree any new measures now.
Cyprus talks resume, putting spotlight on Greece and Turkey amid tension
Thursday’s agreement between Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to resume talks appears a pre-cursor to a flurry of activity on the Cyprus issue ahead of the conference that will include the guarantor powers on January 12.
New poll hurts coalition's recovery hopes as Turkey threat grows
Another day and another set of worrying poll results for the government, which despite the negative data will be more concerned with escalating tension with Turkey.
New Democracy applies pressure as coalition prepares for tough December
Seeing the government still struggling to conclude the second review, which has prompted speculation about whether this could lead to political developments, New Democracy has chosen to make it absolutely clear that it will not consent to a cross-party administration being formed and to reiterate its call for snap elections.
As Greeks wait for Brussels deal, general dissatisfaction reigns at home
As Greece waits to see the outcome of the ongoing talks with its lenders, the general sense of dissatisfaction among voters was highlighted in a new opinion poll published on Wednesday.
EU officials see Greek deal close, broad debt talks to follow
Two of the key players in the negotiations over Greece’s second programme review expressed some optimism on Tuesday that an agreement between Athens and its lenders could be reached in the next few days.