Costas Simitis

For the last two months we have been following an endless string of statements, promises, and negotiations over the framework which will replace the Katseli law on the protection of delinquent debtors' primary residence from foreclosure.

Greece's former socialist prime minister Costas Simitis slammed the SYRIZA government's economic policy for fueling uncertainty among investors and condemning the country to "systematic economic decline."

"This is Greece." This oft-used excuse gets on my nerves and I apologize for using it here, but I just cannot come up with a better alternative.

Supreme Court prosecutor Xeni Dimitriou ordered on Monday an investigation into the finances of socialist PASOK party, following the testimony of a former party cadre who said that private companies funded the party to cover its campaign needs.

Greece's main opposition party, which is polled to win the next general election, has doused speculation that it plans to propose former socialist prime minister Costas Simitis or ex PASOK chief Evangelos Venizelos as President of Greece.

Speaking on Skai radio on Thursday, New Democracy spokesperson Maria Spyraki said both scenarios were "out of the question."
 

The fuss about the Prespes name deal deflected attention away from comments made by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who during her visit to Athens stressed that Greece must stay the course on reforms.

It became apparent in February, when specific political rivals of the government were proscribed as part of the investigation into the alleged Novartis bribery scandal, that the SYRIZA-Independent Greeks government would try to emulate a tactic of totalitarian governments - eliminating anyone whom it feared could be part of a credible and effective counterweight to itself.

Former Socialist prime minister Costas Simitis reacted angrily on Wednesday after it emerged that Greek anti-money-laundering authorities have requested the opening of his bank accounts in connection with the acquisition of a C4I security system for the 2004 Athens Olympics, saying he has "nothing to hide."

Former Prime Minister Costas Simitis has reacted to reports that Greek anti money-laundering authorities have requested the opening of his bank accounts saying he has "nothing to hide."

Describing the allegations contained in the report published in Ta Nea daily Wednesday as "slanderous," Simitis said he would respond to them after finding out "who is behind them."

Greece's anti money-laundering authorities have begun the process to open bank accounts held by Costas Simitis, family members of the ex socialist prime minister, and two former PASOK ministers, according to a report in Ta Nea newspaper on Wednesday which was confirmed by officials.