MacroPolis

PM pledges water reform in bid to avert scarcity crisis

As southern Europe swelters, Greece finds itself confronting a water crisis that has been steadily building beneath the surface.

New Democracy seeks to counter with marine parks and migration policy, rhetoric

The government is attempting to turn the table on its critics and go on the offensive on a range of issues after spending the last couple of weeks defending itself over the farming subsidy scandal.

Firefighting capabilities beefed up as blazes and water shortages weigh on government

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Friday that Greece’s defences against wildfires have been the strongest they have ever been but the realities of the climate crisis, whether in the form of summer blazes or water shortages, are becoming ever-more urgent issues for his government to address.

Water shortages a growing concern as government warns bills could increase

Government officials are warning that water bills could go up to fund urgent work on water supply networks, while major projects to meet the capital’s needs look set for delays and further cost increases.

Mitsotakis uses healthcare debate to turn anti-SYRIZA rhetoric on PASOK

A full-on attack by PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a debate on healthcare reform confirmed PASOK as New Democracy’s chief opponent in Parliament, as the social democrats stand neck-and-neck look to overtake a disintegrating SYRIZA.

Concerns about insipid public consultation process highlighted by treatment of climate plan

By: Georgia Nakou

The track record of public consultations in Greece leaves much to be desired in terms of public engagement and transparency, according to a study commissioned by a leading environmental think tank.

Dead fish in Volos cause big political stink

More than 100 tons of dead fish that washed up off the port city of Volos in central Greece, causing a big stink in Greek politics.

Cost of living remains public's top worry, as government slashes green transition budget

The high cost of living and dissatisfaction with public services and the economy are feeding a pessimistic outlook among Greek voters, who continue to give New Democracy a strong lead over the opposition.

Record year for Greek tourism raises concerns about sustainability

By: Georgia Nakou

Greece received record numbers of visitors and income from tourism in 2023, marking a remarkable comeback from the lean years of the pandemic – but, beneath the surface, the figures give some cause for concern.

PBO draws attention to effects of climate crisis on public finances

The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) has published its quarterly report, in which it confirmed that - based on data for the first half of 2023 - the Greek economy is on course to reach its growth outlook, although natural disasters over the recent months have clouded the growth and fiscal outlook.