MacroPolis

Coalition under fire over multi-bill but aiming to stay united for vote

20/05/2016 - 16:19

Ahead of Sunday’s crucial vote on the multi-bill submitted to Parliament this week, there appeared little sign of dissent among government MPs despite the negative reaction prompted by much of the legislation involved.

Slow pace of returns and relocations leaves refugee crisis finely balanced

19/05/2016 - 16:48

The refugee crisis is back in the spotlight, and for reasons that indicate Greece still finds itself in a precarious position that could deteriorate rapidly if the agreement between the European Union and Turkey falls apart in the coming months.

Tsipras seeking repeat of full support from coalition MPs in upcoming bailout vote

18/05/2016 - 09:37

Ministers are due to begin on Wednesday the effort of ensuring that all government MPs will support the multi-bill due to be submitted to Parliament by the end of the day.

Inauguration of TAP pipeline project offers investment, diplomatic boost

17/05/2016 - 12:34

The signing of the agreement for the construction of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) in Thessaloniki marks a significant moment for Greece in diplomatic and investment terms.

Coalition prepares final legislation for review, opposition expects no upsets for now

16/05/2016 - 09:17

Another week devoted to drafting and voting new legislation awaits the government, which aims to complete the remaining bailout measures ahead of the May 24 Eurogroup.

Stournaras calls for lower primary surplus target, debt relief measures

13/05/2016 - 15:49

Speaking at a conference of the Confederation of Northern Greece Industries (SBEE), the Bank of Greece (BoG) governor Yannis Stournaras suggested on Friday that Greece’s primary surplus target of 3.5 percent of GDP in 2018 should be lowered to 2 percent.

Greece seeks to mend fences with Austria but frets about EU-Turkey deal

12/05/2016 - 19:23

Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias' decision to visit Vienna this week has been viewed as a goodwill gesture from Athens in a bid to restore its relations with Austria, which had been sorely tested by the refugee crisis.

Tsipras upbeat after vote, Eurogroup but deal details may still present problems

11/05/2016 - 14:41

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has been in fan upbeat mood this week following the successful parliamentary vote on Sunday and the positive noises coming from the Eurogroup on Monday.

Greece and lenders edge closer at Eurogroup but standby measures, debt relief not resolved yet

09/05/2016 - 21:43

Greece and its creditors appeared to move a step closer on Monday to an agreement that would conclude the bailout review but questions remain about the details of some aspects of the potential deal.

Tsipras gets full support in pension and income tax vote, moves on to Eurogroup

09/05/2016 - 09:21

Greek Parliament passed the pension and income tax reform bill entailing 2 percent of GDP in fiscal measures needed to lead to the completion of the first bailout, with all 153 of the government’s MPs backing the legislation.