Politics
Coalition's proposal for PR electoral system unlikely to clinch supermajority
Having put to public consultation on Friday its proposal for changing the electoral law, the government now faces an uphill task in trying to secure the backing of 200 (out of 300) lawmakers so that the new system applies immediately rather than from the general election after the next one.
Tsipras travels to China hoping to fulfil ambition of closer Sino-Greek ties
Even before SYRIZA came to power, it was interested in improving Sino-Greek relations so Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras now has an ideal opportunity to try to achieve this as he heads for a visit to Beijing from July 2 to 6.
Piraeus port sale setback troubles Tsipras ahead of China visit
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras faces a major embarrassment ahead of his four-day trip to China on Saturday due to complications arising over the privatization of the Piraeus Port Authority (OLP).
Tsipras aims for new alliances and EU changes after Brexit
Greece is hoping that the uncertainty surrounding the UK’s future relationship with the EU will clear up relatively swiftly but it is not at the forefront of the group of countries that are calling for the British government to initiate Article 50 as soon as possible.
Tsipras gauges EU mood on Brexit as gov't strives for support on change to electoral system
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras headed to Brussels on Tuesday for the first European Council since the referendum in the UK but attention at home was still on the government’s plans to change the electoral law.
SYRIZA to suggest switch to proportional representation, schedules congress for Oct
A meeting of SYRIZA’s central committee over the weekend resulted in the party agreeing to hold its congress in mid-October, substantially later than initially scheduled.
After Brexit vote, Tsipras stresses need for political response to EU shortcomings
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras chose a rather political response to the result of the UK referendum on Friday, highlighting the European Union’s failings and calling for progressive forces in the EU to make more of an impact on the decision-making process.
Coalition wants next review to be swift despite labour reform complications
The Greek government sought on Wednesday to allay fears about the next programme review being drawn out over a long period of time despite the fact that Athens seems prepared to stand its ground over some of the reforms being demanded by the institutions.
Athens hopes for timely boost from visits by EU officials
The Greek government is hoping that visits to Athens on Tuesday by European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and European Stability Mechanism managing director will provide a timely boost ahead of the referendum in the UK on Thursday, with the outcome of the vote still in doubt.
Athens sweats on outcome of UK referendum
In line with other European capitals there is a growing concern in Athens about the possibility of Britons voting in favour of leaving the European Union in Thursday’s referendum.