Politics
Move to block far-right fuels conflict between ND and SYRIZA
Parliament passed on Tuesday the government’s amendment aimed mainly at giving the Supreme Court the right to bar far-right Ellines (Greeks) from participating in the upcoming elections, although the legislation continued to be a sore point in the relations between New Democracy and its main rival SYRIZA.
SYRIZA sets sights on "progressive coalition" after first ballot
The leader of Greece’s main opposition party says he is confident that he can pull together a coalition of “progressive cooperation” after just one round of voting under a proportional representation system.
Athens offers continued, but limited support to Ukraine, while seeking balance with China
The visit of Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov to Athens last Thursday came as a surprise as it had been kept a secret for security reasons and resulted in Greece offering to continue supporting Kiev, but within certain limits.
Judicial row erupts over election legislation as poll points to ND recovery
As Greece enters Holy Week, ahead of the celebration of Christian Orthodox Easter this coming Sunday, the election campaign has been overshadowed by a fresh row over the government’s efforts to tinker with legislation aimed at preventing the far-right Ellines (Greeks) party from taking part in the upcoming ballot.
Athens and Ankara affirm new, calmer period in relations
In recent weeks, Greece and Turkey have underlined the new political reality in their bilateral relations.
Parties hope to set tone as they start unveiling election candidates
The main parties have begun announcing their candidates for the upcoming national vote, with ruling New Democracy stressing that it is putting many young hopefuls, who are first-timers in Greek politics, up for election.
![Photo by Myrto Papadopoulos [www.myrtopapadopoulos.com]](resources/toolip/img-thumb/2013/11/02/goldendawntorches_myrto_1000_011-medium.jpg "Photo by Myrto Papadopoulos [www.myrtopapadopoulos.com]")
Spotlight on far-right party that might upset election arithmetic
With opinion polls failing to predict a clear-cut result in May’s elections, attention has turned to the leadership manoeuvrings of the new far right party Ellines (Greeks), whose entry into Parliament could upset the already complex electoral arithmetic.
Leaders set out priorities, survey suggests many voters open to coalition
Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced what appears to be his last handout on the path to the May 21 elections, while his rival Alexis Tsipras focusses on creating a more friendly environment for homeowners should SYRIZA come to power.
Grassroots protests highlight public discontent with development policies
While the government has been devoting its energies to managing the fallout from the Tempe accident, New Democracy appears to have been taken aback by public protests on a number of other issues ranging from water privatisation to tourism development.
Election campaign moves into gear, opinion poll data still equivocal
The campaign for the May 21 elections is heating up as party leaders zip around the country to drum up support and the government exchanges increasingly harsh words with the opposition. Meanwhile, opinion polls continue to show that the outcome of next month’s vote is still in some doubt.