Politics
Varosha move puzzles amid low expectations on Cyprus
Athens and Nicosia are still trying to figure out what is behind Turkey's recent decision to open up Maronite villages and the “ghost city” of Famagusta (Varosha).
SYRIZA tries to look forward but struggles to escape past
The two-day meeting of SYRIZA’s central committee, which concluded on Saturday, did not produce any major surprises for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, allowing him to focus on a challenging few months ahead.
Government rounds off legislative activity, Mitsotakis offers alternative on education
The Greek government is trying to wrap up its legislative activity before the summer break so that it can then focus on different tasks from September.
Tsipras eyes expansionary measures in 2019 as he starts building post-MoU narrative
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras gave a wide-ranging televised interview on Wednesday night in an apparent attempt to build on Tuesday’s bond issue and make one last attempt to win back some support before things wind down for August.
Bond success questioned as coalition looks to build on trial issue
After Tuesday’s trial bond issue, the government has set its sights on tapping the markets at least once more, possibly, twice by the time it exits the bailout programme next summer but its opponents believe any celebrations should be put on hold.
Judicial system becomes key battleground for political parties
The growing tension between the government and the country’s judiciary has moved up a level this week, with justice officials taking the uncharacteristic step of issuing a warning to the executive.
Bond issue mulled amid pressure from judiciary clash, Varoufakis claims
The week begins with fresh rumours of an imminent return to the markets for Greece as the government comes under more pressure due to its clash with the country’s judiciary and revelations from former ministers.
Athens forced to consider shelving market access plans for now
Uncertainty surrounds the government’s plans to return to the bond markets after the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund appeared to be less than fully supportive of Greece issuing a bond right now.
UN steers clear of Cyprus blame game as focus moves to hydrocarbons
United Nations Special Advisor to Cyprus Espen Barth Eide has urged all sides to abandon the blame game following the collapse of the Cyprus talks in Crans-Montana and to reflect on what the next steps should be.
In absence of bond issue, coalition ponders next moves
The fact that the much-heralded trial bond issue has moved to the back burner for the time being means that the government is focussing on the other policy areas.