MacroPolis

SYRIZA and ND battle over centre ground with different methods, aims

SYRIZA and New Democracy are both trying to make an impression on voters that would position themselves on the centre or centre-left of the political spectrum, although the methods being used by two parties are different.

ND keeps pressure on PM over minister as Tsakalotos muses on fiscal targets

A day after Alexis Tsipras attempted to put the furore surrounding Alternate Health Minister Pavlos Polakis and his bank loans to bed, New Democracy revived the issue on Thursday and demanded an official response from the prime minister.

Tsipras advertises launch of rent subsidy scheme in latest voter-friendly initiative

The government tried to leave the recent furore caused by the actions of Alternate Health Minister Pavlos Polakis behind it on Wednesday by unveiling a rent subsidy scheme, another measure SYRIZA hopes will win votes in this year’s elections.

Minister's actions put PM on the spot as politicians' loans stir controversy

The government is facing fresh accusations of interfering in Greece’s institutions after Alternate Health Minister Pavlos Polakis apparently recorded a telephone conversation with Bank of Greece governor Yannis Stournaras and published the supposed transcript of their conversation.

Tsipras eyes further expansion into centre-left territory after reshuffle

With the first vote on the constitutional reform out of the way, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras conducted a cabinet reshuffle of limited scope on Friday that was most notable for its inclusion of two former PASOK MPs.

Expert report highlights systemic failings in aftermath of deadly Mati wildfire

By: Georgia Nakou

A report commissioned by the government into the causes of wildfires in Greece has identified a number of systemic failings behind the increase in the scale and frequency of destructive events, culminating in last summer’s fire at Mati, the deadliest on record.

Gains and losses for all sides from vote on constitutional changes

Thursday’s vote on the proposals put forward by the government and the opposition for changes to the Greek Constitution proved to be a mixed bag for SYRIZA and New Democracy.

SYRIZA and ND shadow box over next presidential election

New Democracy denied on Thursday that it has any plans to propose former socialist prime minister Kostas Simitis or ex-PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos as future presidential candidates amid a clash with SYRIZA over how to decouple the appointment of the next head of state from possible snap elections.

Tsipras and Erdogan keep conversation going despite lack of specific gains

During Alexis Tsipras' state visit, the first in 11 years by a Greek prime minister to Ankara, Greece and Turkey made rather small and careful steps aimed at resolving their bilateral disputes.

Tsipras halts bid to help smaller parties amid opposition criticism

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras instructed parliamentary speaker Nikos Voutsis (also a SYRIZA MP) not to proceed with any changes to parliamentary rules that would impact on the privileges available to elected parties that are no longer able to muster a parliamentary group (minimum five lawmakers).