Agora
Posts in Politics
A summit of little substance
The European Council meeting on 24-25 October 2013 was a rather low-key affair, with the scheduled policy debates on substantive issues overshadowed by the National Security Agency scandal and allegations that the US intelligence authorities had tapped the mobile phone of German Chancellor Angela Merkel (and possibly other heads of state or government).
Contributor: Janis A. Emmanouilidis
Categories: Europe (282), Politics (387)
Words will always hurt
The potential words have to inspire people and drive events should not be underestimated but their ability to do harm should not be taken too lightly either. It is truly regrettable that at this crucial time in Greece, some of the country’s decision makers have chosen to appeal to the devil inside us rather than the better angels of our nature.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Politics (387), Greece (498)
Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seat belts
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras held an informal dinner with some of his party’s MPs. He reportedly told them that if Greece would be able to get through a tough summer, it would “take off” in September. We are now nearing the end of October and there has been no departure for the skies. Instead, Samaras is bracing for impact.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Europe (282), Politics (387), Economy (331), Greece (498)
House of cards (The rise and fall of Akis Tsochatzopoulos)
It was the house that did for him. Former Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos succumbed to the base desire of enshrining his wealth and potency in real estate. Hubris, however, blinded him to the dangers of choosing a property within a marble fragment’s throw of the Parthenon. On some days, the Acropolis’s shadow virtually touched the luxury apartment the PASOK veteran purchased on Athens’ most exclusive road.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Politics (387), Society (142), Greece (498)
Lest we forget
The satisfaction of seeing our political system and institutions fulfilling their role should not allow the events that have led up to this point of possible catharsis slip from our mind.
Contributor: Nick Malkoutzis
Categories: Politics (387), Society (142), Greece (498)