Politics
Tsipras focussed on MoU exit in 2018 but will have to avoid pitfalls
While the government is preparing to start 2018 with its focus fully on completing the third review in January, it ends 2017 under pressure from the main opposition party to clarify its stance on talks with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to resolve the longstanding name dispute between Athens and Skopje.
Differences over Macedonia name issue put coalition unity under scrutiny
The coalition has come under pressure from the opposition to clarify its stance on negotiations with Skopje over the Macedonia name issue after junior coalition partner Panos Kammenos reaffirmed his hardline position on the matter.
Athens hits back over EU's refugee criticism, but domestic gripes more of a concern
The refugee issue continued to pose a significant challenge to the government over the Christmas break, with Migration Policy Minister Yiannis Mouzalas trying to deflect some of the criticism aimed at Athens, particularly in relation to the conditions at island hot spots.
SYRIZA tweaks auction rules to appease MPs, defends clean exit narrative
The government tweaked on Thursday its amendment regarding property auctions in order to secure the full support of SYRIZA MPs, who had earlier harangued ministers about the provisions relating to protests against foreclosures.
Coalition in last-minute legislative rush, extends helping hand to MPs
Having passed the 2018 budget earlier this week, the government is continuing a busy week of parliamentary activity with a couple of draft laws and several key amendments before the Christmas break.
Budget passed but coalition handouts draw attention
The 2018 budget was approved by Parliament with no problems for the government, although it appears that the coalition may have some explaining to do to the institutions over the package of handouts announced over the last few days.
Talks on Macedonia name issue to be ramped up but Kammenos unmoved
A new effort aiming to solve the longstanding dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) began last week in Brussels.
Parliament gears up for budget vote as auction concerns persist
Parliament is preparing for a vote on the 2018 budget late on Tuesday, with opinion polls giving differing views of the political balance in Greece as the year comes to an end.
Mitsotakis bids for nation's soul, Tsipras ramps up handouts
New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis attempted to rally his party over the weekend by launching a strong attack on the government, which Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras tried to repel.
PM stands ground on property auctions despite broad concern
More electronic auctions of repossessed properties took place this week, as the government had agreed with its lenders, but the coalition continues to see these transactions as potentially damaging to its political fortunes.