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Greece sets out on long road to 2023 elections
The leaders of Greece’s three main parties have set out their policies, but also the political parameters, that will define next year’s elections.
So, what are the key issue at stake and what will decide the outcome of the vote, or more likely votes, that are due to take place in 2023?
Co-hosts Nick Malkoutzis and Phoebe Fronista discuss what we can take away from the appearances made by the leaders of the three leading parties at the Thessaloniki International Fair in September.
MacroPolis co-founder Yiannis Mouzakis and features editor Georgia Nakou join the discussion to look at the political and economic developments which will underpin the election campaign, ponder the permutations that will decide who will govern Greece next and muse about how many ballots will be needed to produce a workable result.
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5. The life and legacy of Costas Simitis
46:48||Season 6, Ep. 5Costas Simitis, who served as Greece's prime minister between 1996 and 2004, died at the age of 88 on January 5. He left behind a bountiful legacy, which included Greece's entry into the euro and a raft of infrastructure projects.His record, though, is contested by some Greeks who feel that the seeds of future problems were sown during his period in office.On this episode of The Agora, host Nick Malkoutzis discusses Simitis's contribution and record with Kathimerini columnist Nikos Konstandaras.Useful linksCostas Simitis, former Greek prime minister and socialist leader, dies at 88 - Associated PressCostas Simitis and the measure of things - Kathimerini‘This is Greece!,’ Costas Simitis’ rallying cry - KathimeriniGreece Recalls Former PM Simitis as Architect of Country’s Modernisation - BIRNImia, behind the scenes - Kathimerini4. Budgeting for the future: How robust is the Greek economy?
21:22||Season 6, Ep. 4Greek Parliament is about to vote on the 2025 budget, so The Agora is looking at what the government's economic plan entails, while also examining the bigger picture as far as the country's economy is concerned.MacroPolis co-founder Yiannis Mouzakis joins us to explain why there has been so much attention on the revenue side of the budget. He also identifies where the key strengths and weaknesses of the Greek economy lie as we prepare for a year that seems full of uncertainty.3. Party people: SYRIZA vs Kasselakis
27:09||Season 6, Ep. 3SYRIZA, the leftist party that experienced a stunning rise to power from the fringes of Greek politics, has elected a new leader but will it be enough to rescue it from its slide back to the sidelines?Its former leader, nascent politician Stefanos Kasselakis, has hit back by launching his own party, Movement for Democracy. Will he have any impact or is it all show?These are some of the questions host Nick Malkoutzis attempts to answer with the help of MacroPolis co-founder Yiannis Mouzakis and features editor Georgia Nakou.Useful readingGreece’s wounded left elects new chief - EuractivAssessing Greece’s new political landscape - EkathimeriniGreek politics goes from stability to state of flux - MacroPolis2. Internal combustion problems leave New Democracy spluttering
32:51||Season 6, Ep. 2In mid-November, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis decided to expel from the ruling New Democracy party one of his predecessors, Antonis Samaras.Samaras headed the centre-right party for several years and was the leader of a coalition government between 2012 and 2015, which means his dismissal was big news in Greece.So, why did Mitsotakis make this dramatic move and what it could mean not only for unity within New Democracy, but also for the stability of the Greek government?MacroPolis co-founder Yiannis Mouzakis and features editor Georgia Nakou joined Nick Malkoutzis to discuss all the permutations.Useful readingFormer Greek premier Samaras is expelled from the ruling conservative party - Associated PressTurkey rapprochement sparks rift in Greece’s ruling party - Politico1. Leading questions: What was the point of PASOK’s leadership vote?
28:13||Season 6, Ep. 1Nikos Androulakis has been re-elected as leader of PASOK, the centre-left party that is hoping to establish itself as the main opposition party in Greece and, ultimately, challenge centre-right New Democracy for power.Given that Androulakis cruised to his victory, was there any point to this leadership contest? Also, where does it leave PASOK as it seeks to take advantage of turmoil at leftist SYRIZA and build some momentum as the social democrats seek to close the gap on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis?MacroPolis co-founder Yiannis Mouzakis and features editor Georgia Nakou join host Nick Malkoutzis to work out what has happened and what might happen.Useful readingAndroulakis Wins Second Chance to Revive Greece’s Centre-Left Party - Balkan Insight Androulakis’ last chance - Kathimerini11. Full of energy: How Greece (& Europe) is handling the green transition
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44:18||Season 5, Ep. 10The European Parliament elections held in Greece on June 9 produced a few surprises, some of which could be significant for the country's political scene over the next few months and years.The ruling centre-right party, New Democracy, performed worse than opinion polls had suggested and fell below the bar set by its leader, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The main opposition parties, leftist SYRIZA and socialist PASOK, had mixed nights but failed to make any major progress, raising questions about what the future holds for the Greek centre-left.The far right appeared to be the major beneficiary of the voting patterns in these elections, but a closer inspection of the numbers tells a more complicated story.MacroPolis co-founder Yiannis Mouzakis and features editor Georgia Nakou step into The Agora to discuss the twists and turns produced by this vote, which was marked by a record low turnout.Useful readingGreece’s centre-right wins but with heavy losses - EuractivGreek PM hints at cabinet reshuffle after EU vote disappointment - ReutersWhere did all the far-right votes in the EU, but also in Greece, come from? - Kathimerini9. Overtourism over here: Greek islands feel the strain
23:41||Season 5, Ep. 9Greece is preparing to welcome a record number of tourists again this year, but their visits will take place against a backdrop of growing concern among locals about the damage being done to the islands and their way of life by rapid development.Greek policy makers face a dilemma over how to balance the growth and job creation provided by tourism, a vital industry for the local economy, against the fear that going down this path too fast and too far is ultimately unsustainable.Journalist Yannis Palaiologos joins us on The Agora to discuss these issues. Yannis is part of the team behind the Sustainable Cyclades media project, which has been reporting on the impact that overtourism and development has been having on the Aegean islands and their residents.Useful readingSustainable CycladesLocal Greeks pushed out as mass tourism takes over Athens - France 24'Without rules we cannot live’: Greece seeks ways to tackle ‘overtourism’ - Al Jazeera8. Whose property? Greece’s housing challenges
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