Tag: Greece news

News from Greece

debt 740x450 png

Greece to Repay First Bailout Loans a Decade Early, Signaling Economic Recovery

Greece is poised to repay its first bailout loans a decade early, targeting full clearance by 2031, government officials revealed. With annual €5 billion installments, the nation aims to shed its status as the EU’s most indebted country, leveraging a €37 billion cash reserve and robust fiscal gains. Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis called the plan “realistic,” signaling Greece’s steady recovery from the 2009-2018 debt crisis that nearly upended the eurozone.

maria3 png

Greek Wrestling Star Maria Prevolaraki Wins Gold at European Championships

In a historic moment for Greek wrestling, Maria Prevolaraki claimed her first-ever gold medal in the 53kg category at the European Championships in Bratislava. Defeating Romania’s top-ranked Andrea Beatrice Ana 4-3 in a gripping final, the 33-year-old stood emotional as Greece’s anthem played, adding a ninth medal to her illustrious career.

aigio

Double Homicide in Aigio: Investigation Focuses on Mental Health and Domestic Violence History

In the heart of Aigio, a quiet Greek town was shattered on April 11, 2025, when a 23-year-old man unleashed a deadly rampage, killing his uncle and a family friend in a brutal act that stunned the community. As police probe the role of untreated mental health struggles and past domestic violence, the tragedy reverberates across Greece, leaving a grieving town to question how such horror unfolded in their midst.

mitne

Mitsotakis and Netanyahu Discuss Diplomacy and Cooperation in Phone Call

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call on April 11, 2025, to discuss regional developments and strengthen bilateral ties. Netanyahu shared details of his recent Washington visit, while both leaders explored deeper cooperation between Greece and Israel, highlighting their strategic partnership in the Eastern Mediterranean.

erdo 740x506 jpg

Erdogan Pledges to Maintain Positive Ties with Greece, Stresses Turkey’s Role in European Security

In a speech at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on April 11, 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to fostering positive relations with Greece and ensuring stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean. Highlighting Turkey’s pivotal role in European security, he called for accelerated EU membership and greater recognition of Turkish Cypriot rights, while urging the EU to overcome internal hesitations and embrace Turkey as a full partner.

20250411 232626 1

Portrait of Minister’s Associate Sparks Debate at National Gallery’s Tetsis Exhibition

A portrait of Anna Panagiotarea, an associate of Greece’s Culture Minister, displayed at the National Gallery’s Panayiotis Tetsis retrospective, has sparked debate. Critic Despina Koutsoumba questioned its inclusion, alleging personal promotion, while the exhibition showcases 160 works celebrating Tetsis’ vibrant legacy. The controversy highlights tensions between art and politics in Greece.

ship1 e1744370882333

Greek Shipowners’ Union Offers Over 100 Scholarships for 2025-2026 Academic Year

The Union of Greek Shipowners has launched its 2025-2026 scholarship program, offering over 100 awards for postgraduate studies in Greece and abroad. With applications open until April 30, 2025, the initiative, highlighted by the prestigious “Aristeia” award, underscores the shipping industry’s commitment to education and excellence, as emphasized by UGS President Melina Travlou.

thes 1 740x560 jpg

Thessaloniki: Former Mayoral Candidate Attacked, Rejects Link to Municipal Disputes

In Thessaloniki, Iordanis Dimitriadis, a former mayoral candidate and Delta municipal councilor, was attacked by masked assailants outside his office. The late-night assault, captured on video, saw Dimitriadis punched and insulted before his son intervened. While some link the incident to his complaints about €13 million in municipal contract awards, he urges against tying it to politics as police investigate.

carferry

Easter Exodus Begins in Greece: Travellers Head to Islands and Villages as Authorities Ramp Up Safety Measures

As Easter approaches, Greece buzzes with the start of the holiday exodus. Ferries from Piraeus to the Cyclades sailed at 70% capacity on Friday, carrying eager travelers to Paros, Naxos, and Santorini. With Holy Week nearing, the Greek Police are rolling out stricter traffic measures nationwide, targeting speeding, drunk driving, and other violations to ensure safe journeys for all during this festive season.

marr 740x560 jpg

Greek Supreme Court to Rule on Same-Sex Marriage Law

Greece’s Council of State will convene today to weigh the fate of Law 5089/2024, which grants same-sex couples the right to marry and adopt. The controversial law, challenged for clashing with constitutional protections of family and Greek Orthodox values, has ignited fierce debate. As the judges deliberate, Greeks at home and abroad await a ruling that could redefine the nation’s approach to equality and tradition.

hatz3 519x560 png

Michalis Hatzigiannis Addresses Criticism Over Voice and Appearance

Greek-Cypriot singer Michalis Hatzigiannis has hit back at harsh online criticism targeting his voice and appearance after a viral TikTok video from a recent Cyprus performance sparked a flurry of negative comments. Speaking on ANT1’s To Proino, the artist revealed he was battling influenza B during the show and dismissed the attacks as baseless, saying, “After 30 years in music, I know the motives behind such comments.”

polit

New Democracy Leads Despite Decline in Latest Greek Poll, Public Concerns Mount

A recent Metron Analysis poll for MEGA reveals growing discontent in Greece, with 69% of citizens critical of the government’s performance and 68% disapproving of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Despite this, New Democracy holds its lead. Alarmingly, 36% of Greeks favor “nobody” as the ideal prime minister, while fears mount over the economic impact of U.S. tariffs, with most anticipating significant consequences.

petr e1744318966734

Strong Start for Lefteris Petrounias at Osijek World Cup

Greek gymnastics star Lefteris Petrounias launched his 2025 season in style at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Osijek, Croatia, securing second place in the rings qualifiers with a score of 14.366. Unveiling a new routine crafted under the updated Code of Points, the three-time Olympic medalist earned an execution score of 8.866 and a difficulty of 5.500, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final on Saturday, where he’ll face top contenders like Turkey’s Adem Asil.

vandal

Greek Artists Demand Removal of Works from National Gallery in Protest Over Vandalised Exhibition Delay

In a bold move, 29 Greek artists and academics have demanded the temporary withdrawal of their works from the National Gallery in Athens, protesting the delayed re-exhibition of artworks vandalized by far-right MP Nikos Papadopoulos on March 10, 2025. The pieces, part of the “Seduction of the Strange” exhibition, were targeted for allegedly offending Orthodox Christian beliefs. Despite assurances from Director Syrago Tsiara that the works will return within a month, the artists’ open letter accuses the gallery of undermining constitutional protections for artistic freedom, intensifying a cultural clash that has gripped Greece.