News archive of January 2023

Greece has submitted the nomination file of Mount Olympus for inclusion in UNESCO's list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites. 

"Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in our country, is linked to ancient mythology, to Homer, to the history of Greece throughout the centuries. The home of the gods is one of the strongest Greek brand names," said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.

The interminable delays and setbacks in the radical reconstruction of the broader Faliro Bay area and particularly the road network along the capital's southern coast are indicative of the slipshod manner with which many major public investment projects are still being treated.

When the regional administration changes, planning also changes. 

The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (TAIPED) announced Tuesday it had received one bid for the long-term lease of part of the former Olympic Equestrian Center of Markopoulo in eastern Attica, where the equestrian events during the 2004 Olympic Games were held.

The bid was submitted by APLEKTON Holdings Co. Limited.

January ended at the Greek stock market with 10.01% growth for the main index, after it suffered a minor decline on Tuesday in a mixed session. While some fellow eurozone bourses took heavier losses on the day, Athinon Avenue saw its expected profit-taking to be small and targeted, while banks enjoyed another day of price gains.

In the last few days, the Greek government and main opposition SYRIZA have submitted their proposals for blocking Ellines - the party formed by Ilias Kasidiaris, a former top official of neo-Nazi Golden Dawn convicted of directing a criminal organization - from running in the upcoming general elections.

Luxury hotel Rodos Park, in the medieval part of Rhodes Town, announced this week it has obtained a new identity and website (rodospark.gr) with "Philoxenia at Heart" as its central motto.

It intends to highlight the high-standard experience offered combined with a love for arts and culture at the historic five-star hotel. 

The social security contributions of 1.2 million freelancers, self-employed and farmers will increase retroactively from the start of the year by 9.6%.

January 30 was the centenary of the signing of the Lausanne Convention (also known as the Convention Concerning the Exchange of Greek and Turkish Populations) on the compulsory exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey.

Transparency International's latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) regarding the public sector showed that with a score of 52/100 - which it shares with Cyprus - Greece is now ranked 51st out of 180 countries.

The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

A new competition for young pianists will be held as part of the Winter Festival in Ljubljana at the end of February and early March giving up-and-coming performers the chance to kick-start their concert careers.