Politics
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.
Tsipras eyes four-year term but snap polls an option after MoU exit
Alexis Tsipras has underlined again his intention to see out his four-year term as prime minister or, at the very least, not to call national elections before Greece has exited the third programme next summer.
Tusk proposals over refugee quotas puts Athens on alert ahead of EU summit
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is said to be steeling himself for a potential clash within the European Union over the fate of refugees, which has also been causing domestic problems of late.
Clock ticks on prior actions as coalition searches for solution on islands
The Greek government is under severe time pressure to complete some 70 prior actions remaining as part of the third review, while property auctions remain a thorn in the coalition’s side.
Erdogan visit leaves Athens with much to ponder, no visible signs of progress
As the dust begins to settle from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s two-day visit to Greece last week, questions can now be asked about whether the trip is likely to lead to any shift in relations between Athens and Ankara.
Auctions, strikes trouble Tsipras but focus still on programme exit
The busy few weeks ahead for the government, as well as the sensitivity of some of the measures that need to be carried out, have rekindled speculation about whether the pressure might become too much for the SYRIZA-led coalition, forcing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to consider snap elections even before the third programme has been concluded.
Erdogan ends trip with softer tone, consensus on refugees
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdgogan concluded his visit to Greece on Friday as the Greek government attempted to defend its decision to extend an invitation to the controversial head of state.
Erdogan makes forceful start to visit, catches Athens off guard
The Greek government found itself in an uncomfortable position on Thursday, the first day of a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who called for the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, which delimited the boundaries between the two countries, to be revisited.
SYRIZA in tight spot over strikes but poll deficit still closing
The imminent visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan means that the main focus of the Greek government for the rest of the week will be on foreign policy issues.
Athens unmoved as relations with Russia become chillier
Bilateral relations between the Greek government and Russia's President Vladimir Putin appear to be on the wane. This comes just a couple of years after SYRIZA tried to court Moscow while it was involved in tense negotiations with its European partners.