editorial

The farcical developments in the candidacies for the upcoming local government elections clearly illustrate how beyond the financial crisis there is a deeper political crisis. The disdain for the political system is a given and well-documented both in previous elections and recent polls. It is not coincidence that the most popular party is “undecided” and […]

Everyone may denounce it in public, but it appears that tax evasion continues being our national pastime. The latest cases that the prosecutor handed over to SDOE illustrate how the same professions insist upon the same practices and scheme to carry on evading taxes, just like they have been doing all these years. Despite the […]

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 […]

While it may be clear to everyone that all elections are political, it should equally be clear that local government elections, especially municipal elections, cannot turn into a divisive political confrontation based on the relevant partisan interests. Obviously the results of municipal elections can lead to political conclusions, but in no case can they be […]

The explosive clash between the government and opposition and the daily battles taking place in Parliament indicate that the political scene is caught up in an election campaign fever. The upcoming European and local elections clearly suggest that a huge conflict is imminent, a polarization with divisive characteristics that can destabilize the country. While negotiations […]

The threat of unemployment, especially youth unemployment, is perhaps the worst nightmare for Greek families, the economy at large since it has huge repercussions on production, as well as insurance funds. The support measures announced yesterday might be the first in the right direction to bring temporary relief to thousands of families. Of course, this […]

The endless negotiations with the troika every time we are about a to collect a loan installment are one step away from complete insanity. A climate of instability and uncertainty is maintained for two to three months, which does not help our European creditors or Greece, while poisoning the political and social climate. They are […]

Instability and market aggression are, unfortunately, essential ingredients of the globalized economy, with obvious repercussions for weaker and more troubled – financially – countries. The illustrious butterfly effect is confirmed every time there is a political upheaval or unfavorable financial predictions are made for a country. In that respect, the political upheaval in the Ukraine, […]

The tragic shipwreck at Farmakonisi, where 12 people including 9 children perished, is not a typical case of unfortunate refugees who drowned in their search for a better future. Since the Greek Coast Guard is involved, we must do everything to shed light on the circumstances that lead to the sinking, just like the UN’s […]

However justified taxes on real estate may be considered, when they are used in excess to cover increased fiscal needs – like what is currently going on in Greece – they lead to madness. Particularly in a real estate market that is dying on its knees, like the Greek one, where virtually nothing is happening. […]

The Commission’s report on employment and social developments is a wake up call for the European leaders. The report documents an explosive increase of poverty and unemployment amongst the most productive age groups, while stressing that finding a job is not always enough to escape destitution, since they tend to be badly paid positions. The […]

It is an insult for a so-called self-appointed armed defender of the people to pretend to honor democracy. This country has paid enough for the criminal action of all sorts of terrorist groups that every now and again murder in the name of “the people’s” interests. Democracy can tolerate even those who subvert it, but […]

A country on the razor’s edge, such as Greece, cannot afford the luxury of yet another full-on political confrontation in the upcoming European elections. While the economy is struggling to leave behind the vicious cycle of recession, hundreds of thousands remain unemployed and negotiations with the troika having reached a critical point, it should be […]

Someone ought to explain to General Secretary of Public Revenue Theoharis that tackling tax evasion neither means annihilating taxpayers, nor having them endure torturous queues at the tax offices in order to settle the slightest of obligations. Because on top of an excessive taxation that is draining every trace of disposable income, we have the […]

The 700 million euro primary surplus, one of the final details of the 2013 budget, was confirmed yesterday and can act as a bargaining chip for the government. There is a clear indication that despite the problems, finances are improving, while the revenue and tax auditing mechanisms are starting to work. We cannot however ignore […]

Mr. Yannis Stournaras took over the economy about 18 months ago. Prior to that we had the double elections in May and June of 2012, the parties were shaken and the leaders of the tripartite coalition government were seeking someone reliable and mutually accepted, who would be able to take over the Ministry of Finances […]

The case of the “Karelias” tobacco company is special, perhaps unique in Greece. It is the only tobacco company in Europe that has not been bought out by a multinational group, it has quality products that are exported to dozens of countries, has about 60 million euros of profit each year while its cash flows […]

Contrary to what is being said, 2013 was a basic year for Greece. Despite most people grumbling, however much they were affected by the slew of measures and great changes taking place on a micro and macroeconomic degree, they must accept and recognize the fact that – at a huge personal, social and political cost […]

The latest terrorist attack against the German ambassador’s residence in Halandri has been condemned by all political forces. That, however, is not enough. The Greek terrorist phenomenon is neither simple, nor can it be tackled with comments. It has roots in our country and clearly the strength and capabilities. Despite the political and operational defeat […]

The Akis Tsohatzopoulos story might have brought up an insane case of corruption, but the revelations regarding the former secretary of armaments Antonis Kantas suggest that the rings that benefited from the Armed Forces’ armament and supplies were much more extensive that previously imagined. After all, it was common knowledge that armament deals and bribery […]