Politics
Eyeing domestic gains, Tsipras pursues closer ties with Europe's social democrats
Alexis Tsipras appears to be stepping up his efforts to anchor SYRIZA, which until recently boasted a radical leftist identity, within the group of European social democratic parties and, in the process, complete the transformation of his image from firebrand to mainstream politician.
Coalition optimistic about pension cuts deal as it readies reduction to contributions
The Greek government is encouraged about the prospects of reaching an agreement with the institutions on pension cuts this week as it continues its drive to legislate the so-called “positive measures.”
With eye on elections, Tsipras talks up public sector hirings
After the overwhelming approval in Parliament on Thursday for the transfer of 820 million euros in backpay to thousands of civil servants, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras sought to build on this momentum by focussing on imminent hirings in the public sector.
Tsipras seeks to build political capital from "positive" measures
Alexis Tsipras tried on Thursday to capitalise on a vote in Parliament that would pave the way for thousands of uniformed personnel and other civil servants to receive some 800 million euros in backpay.
Tsipras reaches settlement with church, aiming to subdue critics
In an unexpected move, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced on Tuesday evening that the government has reached an agreement with the Church of Greece to settle a series of differences between the church and state, some of which date back decades.
Mitsotakis responds to Tsipras challenge with proposals for broad changes to constitution
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis made it clear on Tuesday that his party intends to block the government’s efforts to revise Greece’s constitution if Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras limits the process to just the articles that he is interested in changing and not a broader overhaul.
Hospital report gets ball rolling in coalition effort to target former governments
The coalition took on Monday the next step in pursuing former ministers over alleged healthcare scandals, a key element of the government’s pre-election toolbox.
Coalition's role in freight terminal contract, public broadcaster under attack
The government came under attack on multiple fronts towards the end of this week as the opposition steps up its attempt to inflict damage on the coalition.
Killing puts strain on Greek-Albanian relations after stalled efforts to reach deal
The death of a 35-year-old Greek man, Konstantinos Katsifas, who was shot by the Albanian police in southern part of Greece’s neighbouring country last Sunday has provoked concern in Athens and Tirana about a potential deterioration in bilateral relations.
SYRIZA and ND at odds over proposals for changing constitution
The proposals made by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras regarding the revision of Greece’s constitution have had their desired effect in the sense that the political debate, as well as considerable media attention, has shifted to SYRIZA’s suggestions.