Friday, April 3

Politics

Greek migration minister resigns citing EU subsidy probe
Politics

Greek migration minister resigns citing EU subsidy probe

ATHENS, June 27 (Reuters) - Greek migration minister Makis Voridis resigned on Friday after being implicated in a European Union investigation into the misuse of subsidies to Greek farmers but he denied any wrongdoing.The EU earlier this month imposed a 392.2 million-euro ($460.3 million) fine on Greece over a major scandal involving the mismanagement of agricultural subsidies by a government agency between 2016 and 2022. Sign up here."Because my status as a suspect of committing criminal acts is not consistent with my status as a member of the government and in order not to hinder the government's work, I submit to you my resignation," Voridis said in a letter to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.Mitsotakis accepted Voridis' resignation and a government spokesman said a replacement woul...
Former Greek PMs shake up political landscape
Politics

Former Greek PMs shake up political landscape

Since the restoration of democracy in Greece in 1974,it has been an unwritten law of politics in Athens that former heads of government should avoid the limelight and refrain from making comments or giving advice.Silence, however, doesn't seem to be an option any longer for former left-wing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. He ruled Greece from 2015 to 2019 at the height of the debt crisis. Although Tsipras had kept a low profile in recent years, the former idol of the Greek left is now working on a comeback.Following numerous rumors, Tsipras finally confirmed that he intends to form a new party. In early October, he announced his resignation from the left-wing opposition party Syriza. He had been their chairman until June 2023, and relinquished his seat in parliament.In an interview with the...
Mitsotakis Heads to TIF with Tax Cuts in Focus as Cyprus Casts Doubt on Power Link
Politics

Mitsotakis Heads to TIF with Tax Cuts in Focus as Cyprus Casts Doubt on Power Link

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will travel to Thessaloniki on Friday afternoon for the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), carrying with him a package of tax measures aimed at easing pressure on Greece’s middle class.Tax Cuts for FamiliesAccording to government officials, the central theme will be the reduction of direct taxes, which they argue is the most effective way to ensure relief reaches citizens directly. The plan, they say, is a matter of fairness and common sense, particularly for families with children.Unlike short-term handouts, the government stresses that lowering direct taxes will raise disposable income in a lasting way, providing double value amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis that has gripped both Greece and other European countries.Officials also dismisse...
Greek Government Faces MP Revolt Over ELTA Post Office Closures
Politics

Greek Government Faces MP Revolt Over ELTA Post Office Closures

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is under pressure from his own parliamentary over the cuts at ELTA. Credit: Dimitris Papamitsos / AMNA The abrupt decision by the Hellenic Post (ELTA) management to close over 200 post offices nationwide has triggered a fierce internal crisis within the ruling New Democracy (ND) party. Backlash from citizens, particularly senior citizens who relied on local branches for services such as pension collection, quickly escalated into a political firestorm, forcing the Prime Minister’s office to intervene. Parliamentary revolt over ELTA The crisis peaked during a marathon teleconference when dozens of ND MPs “exploded” against ELTA CEO Grigoris Sklikas, demanding explanations and, in many cases, his immediate resignation. He resigned from his post shortly...