MacroPolis

Outdoor gatherings with hint of protest raise concerns over relaxation of lockdown

As Greece enters the second phase of easing lockdown restrictions, there is growing concern in the government about outdoor gatherings drawing scores of people to squares in major cities.

ND passes major environmental bill against accusations of railroading

New Democracy’s environmental bill passed this week with all 158 votes from the governing majority, after a stormy debate in parliament and a last-minute mobilisation by environmental and civil society groups.

Government extends pandemic support package amid opposition criticism

Greek political leaders returned to Parliament on Thursday to debate the national response to the pandemic.

Parliament re-opens for business amid calls for greater scrutiny

Greek parliamentarians are preparing to return to business this week, with a number of non-pandemic items on the agenda. The return to political normality looks set to rekindle confrontations on several fronts which have been temporarily suppressed in the interest of the national emergency.

Survey sheds light on sentiments in lockdown, as govt backpedals on voucher scheme

A major survey highlights Greeks’ anxiety around the pandemic’s impact on their finances, while a government U-turn on support for professionals looks set to tarnish its reputation for competence.

PM calls for unity as opposition reacts to decisions on health, labour

Greece marked its Independence Day on Wednesday, with the focus on battling the coronavirus, which has now claimed 20 lives in the country.

Identity crisis in KINAL resurfaces as SYRIZA touts common ground

By: Georgia Nakou

Greece’s third party, KINAL (Movement for Change), is about to launch a nationwide consultation exercise in preparation for a national party conference in March, with topics ranging from the party’s progressive identity and the role of socialism, to Europe, the welfare state and the “green new deal”.

ND steps up efforts to build island detention centres for migrants

The government’s relationship with residents of islands hosting asylum seekers is going to be tested further after it was announced on Monday that authorities will be appropriating land to build closed reception centres.

Uproar over minister's home protection comments underscore sensitive nature of challenge

With the fraught issue of home repossessions threatening to come to a head in the spring, recent statements by Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis have been attracting furious responses from across the opposition.

PM brings law and order back onto agenda as foreign policy issues dominate

Foreign policy issues have been dominating the domestic political agenda in Greece over the past few days, although the government has tried to shift focus back to internal matters via its law and order agenda.