Politics
ESM approves next bailout tranche, providing Athens with some relief
The European Stability Mechanism’s board of directors approved on Friday the 8.5-billion-euro bailout tranche for Greece, ending concern in Athens of another agonising delay before funds would be released.
Cyprus talks fail to deliver result, leave concerns about future ties
Αn effort to move close towards the reunification of Cyprus concluded in the early hours on Friday when United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres announced the collapse of talks after nine days in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Athens wrestles with timing of market return, aiming for maximum impact
Market access has replaced debt relief as a main topic of discussion in the Greek media and country’s political arena, with the government said to be considering three options regarding a return to the international bond markets.
Athens hopes for sub-tranche this week, ND keeps up pressure on Kammenos
The Greek government is confident that the European Stability Mechanism’s board of directors will approve on Friday the disbursement of a loan sub-tranche of 7.7 billion euros despite a hold-up over some remaining prior actions.
Parliament debate yields little, wait for bailout tranche goes on
A debate in Parliament on Monday which lasted more than seven hours failed to provide Greeks with a clearer picture about their immediate future as the government and opposition parties crossed swords.
Some optimism for Cyprus talks but complex issues remain
Crucial talks to focus on the core issues of the Cyprus problem are expected to begin on Monday in the resort of Crans-Montana of Switzerland.
PASOK launches attempt to form alliance that would rival SYRIZA
PASOK leader Fofi Gennimata has initiated a process aimed at creating a new centre-left alliance that could compete with SYRIZA for votes in the future.
Some relief for coalition but bold claims about programme exit a concern
The week ends with the government resolving two of the political headaches that troubled it over the past few days and with PM Alexis Tsipras in a confident mood about Greece’s prospects for returning to the bond markets.
Voters unconvinced by post-Eurogroup narrative, wait for growth
Two recent opinion polls have highlighted the lack of enthusiasm among Greeks for the agreement that the government reached with its creditors at the June 15 Eurogroup, underlining the hard work that the coalition has ahead.
Tsipras fails to halt strike as domestic political battle heats up
Efforts by the government to end the strike by refuse collectors have failed to pay off as the action is due to continue at least until Thursday, forming a new front between SYRIZA and New Democracy.