International

Jenny Vanou, one of the most popular and stand-out Greek folk singers from the late 1970s, passed away at the “Metaxa” hospital, where she was being treated for cancer. The folk singer, whose real name was Eugenia Vrachnou, was born in Athens in 1936 and intended to study at the School of Natural Sciences, before […]

The government spokesman Christos Stylianidis announced earlier today that the Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis is expected in Athens on Thursday, where he will discuss the latest developments in the Cypriot dispute with Prime Minister Samaras and Foreign Affairs Minister Venizelos. Mr. Stylianidis stressed that the developments in Cyprus “are at a very delicate staget” and […]

According to the international news agency Bloomberg, Greece’s European partners are currently discussion the possibility of extending the deadlines of Greek loans out, as well as reducing interest rates. In its report, Bloomberg cites European officials who claim that the next aid package to Greece will most likely include an extension of payment deadlines from […]

The government is preparing plans for the thousands of suspended public sector employees whose eight-month suspension period is about to come to an end. The Ministry of Administrative Reform is making preparations for dismissals of thousands so that they have a “smooth transition to the job market” after they are ousted from the public sector. […]

The POE-OTA union of local government employees has announced a nationwide walkout between 8am and noon and a 9am demonstration for Friday outside the Supreme Court, on the day when a critical employee appeal against the government’s ambitious suspension plans is examined. At the same time, school wardens from Alexandroupoli and northern Greece are mobilizing […]

According to a report in the Financial Times, an investigation into the privatization of the state-owned betting monopoly OPAP is currently under way, with the focus being on issues of transparency. The report claims that prosecutor Yannis Sevis is investigating the sale of 33% of OPAP’s share to the Emma Delta joint venture. The prosecutor […]

The Ministry of Finances is taking a number of initiatives in order to improve the quality of its services and to alleviate the pressure and stress on tax offices, so that they can focus on tackling tax evasion. One of the more important initiatives is the introduction of a debt ID, which was implemented last […]

The farmer unions have requested a meeting with the Minister of Finances and the political leaders to discuss their demands. The next few days will be critical in determining the future of the farmer strike, as unions begin talks and coordinate their road blocks. The farmers at the road block in Nikea decided to call […]

The Greek and Swiss Ministers of Finances Yannis Stournaras and Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf met in Athens yesterday to discuss the possibility of taxing the Swiss bank accounts of Greek citizens. Based on comments by Mr. Stournaras though, the propose taxation is highly unlikely, while the Swiss official refused to satisfy the Greek demands. Mr. Stournaras requested […]

The candidacy of independent MP Theodoros Karypidis with SYRIZA in the upcoming elections has caused major controversy amongst party member due to his political beliefs. Many within the opposition party believe that support for Mr. Karypidis is an effort to “appeal to the right” and maintain relations with ANEL. Disgruntled SYRIZA members have cited a […]

The statute of “National Dawn”, a new political party meant to replace Golden Dawn in case it is banned, was submitted in the Supreme Court in order to formalize its foundation. While the National Dawn purports to be a different party, its statute is virtually the same with the one submitted by Golden Dawn, with […]

The former Postbank manager Angelos Filippidis returned to Greece early this morning, after the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the necessary arrangements with the Turkish authorities late last night. Upon his arrival in Athens, the former bank manager was arrested and taken to the Central Police HQ for questioning and stated that “I came […]

The price of milk in Greece is about 34% more expensive that in other European countries, which is remarkable considering the dramatic reduction of income in recent ears. The OECD’s report on consumer prices in Greece has prompted a discussion regarding the shelf life of milk, as well as the working definition of “fresh milk”, […]

The Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has called a government meeting for Wednesday afternoon in order to discuss the efforts to address the disaster in Kefalonia so far and to coordinate future actions. The Ministers of National Defense Avramopoulos, Education Arvanitopoulos, Finances Stournaras, Interior Michelakis, Infrastructure Chrysochoidis, Public Order Dendias, Health Georgiadis, Shipping Varvitsiotis, Culture Panagiotopoulos […]

The ongoing trial of the six men who are accused of the double robbery in Velvento of Kozani and participating in the Conspiracy of Fire Cells group continued with the cross-examination of three witnesses. The three witnesses, a betting shop owner, a bank client and a post office clerk, were unable to identify any of […]

Thousands of taxpayers rushed to pay what they owed for the 2012 emergency, luxury, road and income taxes on the final deadline, on the 31st of December. The Ministry of Finances was rather pleased with the budgetary injection in public finances; however thousands of taxpayers are in for a shock. When checking their Taxisnet profile, […]

In a democracy it is the undeniable right if every defendant to be able to defend his ideas and try to justify his actions. The incredible hatred of the young children implicated in the “Conspiracy of Fire Cells” against society, judges and the system at large should cause concern. How is it possible for young […]

The European Commissioner for Human Rights has demanded from the Greek EU presidency to take initiatives to address the refugee situation, while expressing its concern about the allegations of refugees illegally being pushed back into Turkey. The Commissioner maintains that Syrian asylum seekers who reach the borders of EU member states are under the responsibility […]

The “Zero Tolerance” group has claimed responsibility for the arson attack against the political office of the Interior Minister Yannis Michelakis which took place in mid January. The group, which has claimed responsibility for a number of similar arson attacks, publicized their manifesto via the To Pontiki newspaper. In the three-page manifest entitled “Regarding Violence”, […]

The selection of suitable candidates in the upcoming critical local government elections is turning out to be harder than previously thought for New Democracy. While the ruling party has been able to find candidates for most areas, it has yet to decide upon candidates for Athens and Thessaloniki. Despite the initial optimism regarding the elections, […]