Politics
Athens looks to Draghi for positive signals on debt relief
It was mentioned almost as an afterthought. Mario Draghi, the European Central Bank President, reframed the ongoing debate on Greek debt relief, noting the ECB would draw its own conclusions on sustainability, wait for relief to be implemented, and then decide whether to include Greece in its quantitative easing programme.
Tsipras in Brussels prep for Obama trip
Ending an awkward week at home, Alexis Tsipras heads to meetings in Brussels that could ultimately define his term as prime minister.
On the sidelines of a European Council, his talks on Thursday and Friday are with the EU’s Jean-Claude Juncker, French President Francois Hollande and Germany’s Angela Merkel.
New episode in Greek TV drama
The suspense continues. A high court will hear a case against the government over its TV licensing overhaul that has triggered an ugly public spat over corruption, the judiciary, and influence over the news media.
Erdogan comments draw new, but cautious, response from Athens
Athens has been forced to respond to remarks by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggesting that Ankara should back the interests of populations formerly under Ottoman rule, which are the latest in a series of comments that views Greece sees as provocative.
Greek government faces hard labour dilemma
In the 14 months since signing Greece’s third bailout, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has stuck to a punishing schedule of unpopular changes.
SYRIZA congress gives Tsipras benefit of doubt, more time to deliver
Alexis Tsipras appeared to emerge strengthened, or at least free of any immediate challenge, from the four-day SYRIZA congress, which ended on Sunday night.
Tsipras makes end-year debt deal government's top priority
Alexis Tsipras launched SYRIZA’s four-day congress with a relatively low-key speech on Thursday that contained three key messages.
SYRIZA seeks to renew appeal, worries about home repossessions
The start of SYRIZA’s congress on Thursday evening is likely to act as a catalyst for domestic political activity, although a cabinet reshuffle does not seem to be on the cards for the time being.
Despite the drama, Kammenos proves reliable coalition partner for Tsipras
Alexis Tsipras’s coalition partner, Independent Greeks (ANEL) leader Panos Kammenos, proved again this week his predictable unpredictability as a governing mate.
Athens mulls Erdogan comment on Aegean islands, sees Cyprus talks dragging on
Athens has been mulling over the implications of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent questioning of the Lausanne Treaty, which appeared to question Greek sovereignty in the Aegean.