Greece's government

More than 230 migrants crossing the Mediterranean in small boats from North Africa reached Greece's southern island of Crete over the weekend, Greek authorities said Monday.

The arrivals, in six separate crossings, far outnumbered the few dozen migrants who took the more common route from Turkey to the nearby eastern Aegean islands over the weekend.

Greece's government announced on Monday that the "Panic Button" app will be provided to all adult victims of domestic violence of both sexes across the country. 

During the first wave of the pandemic "We were divided in pro- and anti-vaxxers," Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis said on Wednesday, announcing the new measure. "We are extending an olive branch. The vaccine is not being given by force but because it is important for our health."

Greece's new minister for migration said Monday he would consider it "unthinkable" for the European Union to pull out its border protection force from the country, and promised to address a growing list of international grievances over dealing with migrants.

Greece's government is seeking to ban a far-right political party led by a jailed former lawmaker from participating in a general election later this year, with a legislative initiative that has gained cross-party support.

Human Rights Watch accused authorities in Greece of allegedly using migrants to help carry out summary, illegal deportations of asylum seekers at the country's border before they are able to register their claims.

Greece's government is expected to announce later on Tuesday a 12-day (Feb. 21) hard lockdown for the region of Attica - the country's most populous - in an effort to relieve increasing pressure on hospitals and halt the spread of the coronavirus, Kathimerini understands.

Greece's government has extended nationwide lockdown measures indefinitely but says retail stores and malls will reopen Monday with strict entrance limits.

Civil protection chief Nikos Hardalias said Friday that a nightly curfew, domestic travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders will all remain in effect after being first imposed in early November.

Greece's government was discussing the latest economic and health safety issues relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, the appointment of the Governor of the Bank of Greece and the presentation of seven ministerial bills during a cabinet meeting though teleconference that got under way on Thursday morning.

Greece's government spokesman on Monday reacted to a report published by a Turkish magazine last week which described Istanbul-based Patriarch Vartholomaios as an "associate" of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.