Politics
Proposals to reform primary health care draw first reactions
A major overhaul of the primary health care system promises to tap into the private sector in an effort to decongest public hospitals and introduce greater patient choice, however the reforms are already coming under attack from private doctors.
Expulsion of diplomats moves Greece further away from Russia, focus turns to energy
Bilateral relations between Greece and Russia entered uncharted waters after Athens made yet another momentous foreign policy decision by deciding to declare last week 12 Russian diplomats personae non gratae.
Imminent end for enhanced surveillance offers boost to beleaguered govt
Amid the incessant pressure it is facing on many fronts, led by the cost-of-living, budgetary constraints and the pandemic, there is a potential bright spot for the government in terms of a timely exit from the enhanced surveillance setup this summer.
PM set to prolong coal use, sparking complaints about energy policy U-turn
A decision to prolong the use life of several coal-burning power stations has put Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the spot, as opposition parties accuse him of being personally responsible for the energy crisis he is purporting to address.
Strike acts as focal point for cost-of-living frustration despite higher energy subsidies
The first general strike during the current cost-of-living crisis was held on Wednesday, piling more pressure on the government, which potentially faces a renewed political threat from the formation of new right-wing movement by an ousted New Democracy MP.
Authorities ready energy "plan B" for potential supply disruptions as cost of living prompts strike
High energy prices and the risk of a disruption in the supply of natural gas from Russia have prompted a series of crisis meetings involving the prime minister and the energy minister with the regulator and the energy companies to put together a strategic response for tackling potential energy shortages.
Parties re-work strategies as clearer picture emerges for election run-up
There is widespread acceptance among the Greek media and political commentators that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has dropped any thoughts of holding snap elections in the coming months, partly as a result of the battering his New Democracy party is taking due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Athens prepares for Ukraine talks with Nuland as Dendias visits Odessa
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, its geopolitical implications and the economic consequences of sanctions against Moscow top the US Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland’s agenda for her visit to Europe, including Athens.
KINAL leader gains confidence as ND ratings wane
Courted as a potential coalition partner by both left and right, KINAL leader Nikos Androulakis continues to hold his cards close to his chest regarding his intentions in the event of a close run at the next elections. Recent statements offer a somewhat clearer picture about the role he sees his party playing in the future Greek political landscape.
Inflation triggers political machinations, move to increase budget spending
The government is set to submit a supplementary budget that will allow it to increase spending by as much as 2 billion euros compared to the initial budget for 2022, underlining the pressure that New Democracy is under to find solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, not only to help households and businesses but also to stop the party’s slide in opinion polls.