The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, one of Athens’ most iconic and visited monuments, turns…
Tag: Greek parliament
The Greek Parliament has voted to suspend state funding for the Spartiates party, citing its ties to jailed far-right figure Ilias Kasidiaris and the banned Golden Dawn organization. With 267 votes in favor, the decision follows a Supreme Court ruling identifying Kasidiaris as the party’s true leader and linking its activities to those of the criminal group.
Outgoing President Katerina Sakellaropoulou expressed gratitude following Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' proposal of Konstantinos Tasoulas as the next President of Greece. In her statement, Sakellaropoulou reflected on her five-year term, emphasizing her commitment to fulfilling her duties responsibly and with respect for the Constitution. She concluded by wishing success to her successor, who will be chosen by the Greek Parliament for the next five years.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has nominated Kostas Tasoulas as Greece’s next President of the Republic. The nomination will undergo a parliamentary voting process, which could require up to five rounds, with varying majorities needed for each vote. The process will unfold over five days, with MPs considering Tasoulas as the candidate for the country’s highest office.
Orthodoxy, a cornerstone of cultural and spiritual heritage for nearly half of Europe, plays a vital role in shaping the continent’s identity, according to Greek Parliament President Konstantinos Tasoulas. During a meeting with Romanian MP Ioan Vulpescu, Tasoulas emphasized Orthodoxy's enduring influence on modern Europe, while Vulpescu highlighted its importance in addressing contemporary challenges like the global economic crisis.
Greece’s Ministry of National Defence has outlined its 2025 objectives as part of the comprehensive "Agenda 2030" reform plan, aiming to modernise the armed forces and enhance their connection with society. Key initiatives include upgrading military healthcare facilities, launching a new housing program for service members, and advancing defence capabilities with the acquisition of FDI frigates and upgraded F-16 Vipers. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias emphasised that these reforms reflect a balanced approach, integrating conservative values with progressive reforms to strengthen Greece’s national security and support its military personnel.
As of January 1, Greece has increased its "Climate Resilience Fee," a nightly charge applied to hotels and short-term rentals. Designed to fund natural disaster preparedness, the fee replaces the previous "stayover tax" and varies by accommodation type and season. Revenue collected will support Greece's efforts to address the growing challenges of climate change while promoting sustainable tourism.
Greek leaders, including President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attended the New Year’s liturgy at Athens Metropolitan Church, led by Archbishop Ieronymos. The ceremony highlighted unity and tradition as the nation welcomed 2025.
The Greek Parliament has approved a crucial bill to restructure the nation's railway network and strengthen transport regulatory bodies. With 157 votes in favour, the legislation, part of a broader action plan developed with the European Commission, aims to address long-standing issues in the railway sector. Minister Christos Staikouras emphasised the government's commitment to reform, highlighting the plan's clear timelines, resources, and milestones for modernising Greece's transport infrastructure.
The Greek Parliament has approved the 2025 state budget, projecting a 2.3% GDP growth for the year. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized fiscal discipline as key to maintaining economic stability. New banking sector reforms include eliminating commission fees for utility payments and fostering greater competition to benefit consumers.
The debate on Greece’s 2025 state budget begins today in Parliament, set to conclude with a vote on Sunday evening. This year’s discussions unfold in a changed political landscape, with PASOK returning as the second-largest party after over a decade. The government is promoting the budget as a plan to boost incomes through tax cuts and economic reforms, while opposition parties are expected to challenge key aspects, including defense spending. The debate also takes place amid ongoing crises in military hospitals and allegations of corruption in urban planning authorities.
The Greek Parliament has passed a new tax bill introduced by the National Economy and Finance Ministry, with the ruling New Democracy party securing its approval amid opposition resistance. The legislation, aimed at boosting incomes and fostering innovation, includes 72 tax cuts and measures to fight tax evasion. Deputy Minister Christos Dimas defended the bill as a step toward strengthening the Greek economy and improving public services, though critics remain divided on its broader implications.
Athens, Greece – Syriza, the left-wing party that once led Greece, has been overtaken by…
Two MPs have officially broken away from SYRIZA, with their resignation letters submitted to the Greek Parliament on November 21. This move shifts the status of PASOK to the official opposition, surpassing SYRIZA in the number of MPs. As a result, PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis gains additional privileges, including more speaking time in Parliament and access to the leader of the opposition’s office. Despite the change, neither party has enough MPs to propose major motions such as impeachment or committee inquiries.
Stefanos Kasselakis is set to shake up Greek politics with the launch of his new political party on November 23, 2024, at the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation. The announcement, strategically timed just ahead of SYRIZA’s leadership election, will reveal the party’s founding principles and name, chosen through a public vote. Emphasizing grassroots participation and democratic engagement, Kasselakis invites citizens to co-shape the movement’s vision, signaling a bold new chapter in Greece's political landscape.
Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras Formally Expelled from New Democracy Parliamentary Group
Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has been officially expelled from the New Democracy (ND) parliamentary group following sharp criticism of the government. The move, announced in Parliament on Wednesday, reduces ND’s seats to 155. Samaras accused Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of arrogance and abandoning party values, while the government cited his statements as destabilising and out of line with ND policies.
During a special session on Friday, the Greek Parliament paid tribute to the anniversary of the Polytechnic students' uprising on November 17th by observing a minute of silence. Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis and various party representatives emphasized that the uprising's legacy underscores the need for continuous effort and vigilance in safeguarding true democracy.
In a historic address to the Greek Parliament, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled a transformative draft law on public health.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed Parliament to advocate for the expansion of the personal doctor initiative, aiming to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for the entire population. Highlighting efforts to enhance primary care, prevention programs, and hospital infrastructure, Mitsotakis described the reforms as a transformative step for Greece's national health system. Key measures include 37,000 free surgeries funded by the EU Recovery Fund and increased healthcare staffing by 2027.
In a parliamentary session focused on wildfires, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of the emergency number 112 in saving lives. He reported that this year has been the most challenging in the last 40 years, with 9,101 fires recorded compared to 7,163 last year. While 1,754,000 acres burned last year, this year saw 440,000 acres affected. Mitsotakis emphasised that the Mediterranean is at the heart of the climate crisis, facing increasing challenges that require ongoing attention and response.