Politics
Slight easing of Covid-19 data as focus turns to retail, budget
There was slight encouragement for the government over the weekend as Greece’s Covid-19 numbers eased a little ahead of the start of efforts to re-open parts of the retail sector in the run-up to Christmas.
Athens displeased with EU Council outcome, faces pressure for talks with Turkey
A group of EU member states managed to obstruct any attempt by Athens to include in the December 10-11 European Council’s conclusions direct references and punitive measures against Turkey’s actions in the East Med.
EU Council boosts recovery fund hopes, falls short on Turkey
Greece did not get the commitment it was looking for from its European partners on sanctions for Turkey, but the breakthrough regarding the EU Covid-19 recovery fund provided Athens with some relief as a tough year draws to close.
Fresh accusations against NGOs as govt hardens stance on migration
Migration and Asylum Minister Notis Mitarachi has accused the Turkish coastguard and foreign NGOs of putting migrants’ lives in danger on the Aegean crossing.
PM identifies pending pensions as key problem, while row brews over media law
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has identified clearing the pensions backlog as one of the government’s priorities for 2021 after New Democracy struggled to live up to its pledge to ensure retirees receive their payments in less time than in the past.
PM on defensive over Covid-19 stance as debate rages over testing
As the Greek government continues to come under fire from the opposition over its handling of the second wave of Covid-19, PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis gave a TV interview on Monday in an attempt to clarify his position.
Covid-19 data prolongs wait for re-opening amid new clash over policing
The cabinet meets on Monday with the next steps on the Covid-19 front uppermost in ministers’ minds despite the virus showing no signs of abating over the weekend.
SYRIZA seeks to exploit ND's faltering handling of coronavirus crisis
SYRIZA is keeping up the pressure on the government over its handling of the Covid-19 crisis, with opposition leader Alexis Tsipras asking again for the minutes from the meetings of the scientific committee advising ministers to be released.
Second lockdown extension as Covid-19 infections remain high
Greece’s Covid-19 statistics remain stubbornly high, prompting a government rethink on easing the national lockdown.
Athens angling for tougher EU stance on Turkey ahead of summit
The Greek government has launched another series of diplomatic contacts ahead of the European Council on December 10-11 where EU-Turkey relations will be scrutinised against the background of ongoing tension between Athens and Ankara.