Politics
Beleaguered coalition makes quick attempt to dampen offshore controversy
Following an all-round negative reaction to a provision that appeared to relax the restrictions on politicians and public officials being involved in offshore firms, the government attempted on Wednesday to restore the damage done to its reputation by making an amendment to the legislation passed last month.
Linking of ex-PM with centre-left role highlights inertia, not momentum
Rumours have resurfaced regarding former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis stepping forward to spearhead the revival of Greece’s centre-left but they seem to be a confirmation of the difficulties local social democrats are having rather than any sign that momentum could be building.
Putin visit highlights potential, but also limitations, of Greece-Russia ties
There was much enthusiasm in Athens about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit on Friday and Saturday, which highlighted the potential for closer ties between Greece and Russia but also the limitations facing their relationship.
Reshuffle speculation mounts as offshore law sparks new political row
SYRIZA’s credibility with its more traditional supporters is likely to be tested further by claims over the weekend that the government passed under the cover of the recent multi-bill legislation that allows MPs, ministers and other state officials to be involved in offshore companies.
Feeling weight of measures, SYRIZA seeks way to re-connect with voters
As the government goes in search of ways to make the final tweaks needed to secure its first bailout tranche in half a year, things on the domestic political scene are starting to hot up as a result of some controversial moves on the coalition’s behalf.
Coalition ministers, MPs wrestle with implications of Eurogroup agreement
The Greek government has begun the process of digesting this weeks’ Eurogroup agreement, which failed to live up to Athens’s hopes for debt relief and left the coalition with some more work to do before the disbursement of the next loan tranche can take place.
Creditors' deal comes up short on debt relief for Tsipras
Despite some positive elements, the Eurogroup agreement announced early on Wednesday falls below the Greek government’s expectations in many regards.
Lenders agree new loan disbursement, piecemeal approach to debt relief
Eurozone finance ministers reached an agreement on the conditions for a disbursement of 10.3 billion euros for Greece early on Wednesday, along with a looser deal on debt relief that may lead to the International Monetary Fund remaining involved in the Greek programme.
Tsipras and Erdogan seek ways to overcome Greek-Turkish tension
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emerged from a meeting in Istanbul on Monday with a seemingly common desire to improve relations between their two countries, which have been tested by recent events.
Tsipras sails through multi-bill vote, looks to disbursement and debt relief
The government breezed through the multi-bill vote on Sunday and has put the ball in the lenders’ court regarding the disbursement of bailout funds and debt relief.