Politics
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.
Tsipras unveils growth plan but little in way of new ideas
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras made the clearest attempt yet on Thursday night to change the negative mood surrounding his government by presenting a growth plan for the coming years.
SYRIZA not entirely behind plans for changes to constitution, electoral system
The relatively low turnout for the anti-government protest held in Athens on Wednesday means that internal party issues are coming to the fore again.
Protests give Mitsotakis chance to round on under-fire coalition
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis is seeking to build on his party’s lead over SYRIZA by making the anti-government protests planned for Wednesday evening in Athens and Thessaloniki as uncomfortable as possible for the coalition.
Labour laws already emerging as key issue for next bailout review
Even though the first review of Greece’s third bailout has barely concluded, attention is already shifting to the next review this autumn, which also promises to be far from straightforward.
Government steels itself for protests, looks for positive in polls
Having completed the bailout review, the coalition’s main task this week will be to steel itself for, and then respond to, anti-government protests planned for Wednesday.