Politics
Bond success questioned as coalition looks to build on trial issue
After Tuesday’s trial bond issue, the government has set its sights on tapping the markets at least once more, possibly, twice by the time it exits the bailout programme next summer but its opponents believe any celebrations should be put on hold.
Judicial system becomes key battleground for political parties
The growing tension between the government and the country’s judiciary has moved up a level this week, with justice officials taking the uncharacteristic step of issuing a warning to the executive.
Bond issue mulled amid pressure from judiciary clash, Varoufakis claims
The week begins with fresh rumours of an imminent return to the markets for Greece as the government comes under more pressure due to its clash with the country’s judiciary and revelations from former ministers.
Athens forced to consider shelving market access plans for now
Uncertainty surrounds the government’s plans to return to the bond markets after the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund appeared to be less than fully supportive of Greece issuing a bond right now.
UN steers clear of Cyprus blame game as focus moves to hydrocarbons
United Nations Special Advisor to Cyprus Espen Barth Eide has urged all sides to abandon the blame game following the collapse of the Cyprus talks in Crans-Montana and to reflect on what the next steps should be.
In absence of bond issue, coalition ponders next moves
The fact that the much-heralded trial bond issue has moved to the back burner for the time being means that the government is focussing on the other policy areas.
Government stalls possible bond issue, clashes again with judiciary
It appears that plans for a trial bond issue have been shelved for the time being by the government.
Athens holds off on bond as Tsipras talks up labour market
The process for Greece to return to the international bond markets did not begin on Monday, despite some of the local media predicting in the previous days that this would be the case.
Movement on name issue but Athens keeps expectations low
A joint declaration made by European Union leaders during the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Thessaloniki in 2003 claimed that “The future of the Balkans is within the European Union.”
Bond issue decision expected as clock ticks down
Going into the weekend, there is still much speculation - but little clarity - about whether the government will try to tap the markets next week or, indeed, if it has time to issue a bond before the International Monetary Fund’s executive board meets on Thursday.