Politics
Opposition hoping surveillance, cronyism scandals will bite ND
As it looks ahead to this year’s elections, New Democracy continues to be dogged by fears that the longstanding surveillance affair as well as occasional scandals involving its MPs could affect public opinion and prevent the centre-right party from winning a majority or even returning to power.
PM adds minimum wage hike to pre-election promises, with hints of more to come
The turn of the year gave Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis an opportunity to reinforce the message that the government will continue to provide relief for hard-pressed households, as elections loom ever closer on the horizon.
Resignation keeps surveillance issue in spotlight
The year concludes with the government still being dogged by the surveillance issue, a matter that New Democracy thought at various points during 2022 that it had laid to rest.
Opposition clashes with govt over high energy prices, cost-of-living measures
Greece recorded the highest wholesale electricity prices in Europe in the past week, prompting opposition parties to attack the government, calling for a rethink of its support package.
Athens poised to take next steps on maritime borders
The war in Ukraine and the energy crisis it precipitated have created a new environment for co-operation and synergies in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Election speculation gathers steam while surveillance claims mount
With political activities nominally on hold over the Christmas and New Year holidays, speculation over the possible date of elections continues, with the consensus now converging around Palm Sunday, April 9.
ND paves way to spring elections with relief measures amid SYRIZA objections
New Democracy’s approach to dealing with the cost-of-living crisis continues to be questioned by the opposition. Wednesday’s vote over the latest measure, the so-called “Market Pass”, saw SYRIZA accusing the conservatives of duping the public and favouring powerful business interests.
Athens hopeful of progress on sea delimitation differences with Albania after FM visit
Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias’s mini tour of the Western Balkans this week appears to have had a positive impact.
PM defends grocery stipend, hopes to draw support from PASOK
Perhaps buoyed by a new opinion poll showing a slight bounce in his party’s ratings, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis mounted a stout defence on Wednesday of his government’s latest handout, which was dismissed as a pre-election gift by the opposition.
SYRIZA pushes alternative cost-of-living package but govt support still a vote-winner
The surprise announcement of a “Market Pass” for hard-pressed shoppers in the prime minister’s budget statement has attracted strong criticism from the opposition.