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At the Magic Mountain of Davos [InTime News]
Welcome to the weekly round-up of news by Kathimerini English Edition. This week, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the Swiss resort town of Davos to participate in this year’s iteration of the World Economic Forum. Mitsotakis used the podium at the WEF to address several important issues for the Greek government, including the upcoming elections (with several pointed remarks about opposition party SYRIZA), migration, energy, and the green transition to renewable energy sources. Mitsotakis also discussed the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, stating that despite Greece’s historic ties to Russia it had chosen to stand “on the right side of history” and fully supported Ukraine in its struggle to defend itself. Finally, Mitsotakis also spoke on the recent months of tension in Greek-Turkish relations, unequivocally stating that “we will not go to war with Turkey”. He shared his belief that Greece can still resolve its differences with Turkey diplomatically, adding that “despite our difficult moments [with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan], I do not think it is impossible to find solutions”. “We should be able to sit down with Turkey as reasonable adults and resolve our main difference, which is the delimitation of maritime zones in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean”, the prime minister added. Mitsotakis also had several meetings in Davos with leading business personalities, including the CEOs of Allianz, Coca-Cola, Coursera, and the AstraZeneca Board Chairman Leaf Johansson. He also discussed Greece’s economic outlook in an interview with CNN, during which he stated that Greece will receive the coveted investment grade following the elections. Slightly souring the good mood was Turkish President Erdogan who dismissed the substance of Mitsotakis’ speech. “Mitsotakis can say what he wants, but his statements are not enough to change the fate of the region”, he said indicatively. Of course, this moodiness could also be the result of a difficult week for Erdogan. The visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to Washington and his meeting with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken did not seem to have the results that Ankara desired, particularly on the F-16 fighter jet front. Turkey’s objections to the Swedish and Finnish NATO membership bids seems to be a particular thorn of contention. Not to mention a less-than-flattering article in The Economist. In Brussels, Eva Kaili, the Member of the European Parliament (and its former Vice-President) detained for her alleged involvement in the Qatargate corruption scandal, continues to claim that she is innocent. Her latest statement was communicated following the decision by a Belgian court to reject her application to be released from pre-trial custody. Kaili’s legal team have complained about the conditions of her detention, with her lawyer claiming that it has been “torture”. Finally, a committee set up by the Culture Ministry unanimously selected a proposal by the architectural firms of David Chipperfild and Alexandros N. Tombazis for the redevelopment of the National Archeological Museum in central Athens. |
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OPINION
 [InTime News]Can a political party be outlawed under Greece’s present constitution and could this be achieved through new legislation? This delicate multifaceted question will be at the forefront of public debate in Greece during the next few weeks. The country’s political world and legal system are faced with a dilemma in handling the far-right National Party Greeks, led by former Golden Dawn member, Ilias Kasidiaris, who is in prison. An obvious issue that arises is whether you can ban ideas, loathsome as these may be. There is the concern that any move to outlaw what is considered to be the remnants of Golden Dawn, with a less violent outfit, could degenerate into persecution of opinions and beliefs. The idea of outlawing a party which does not believe in the democratic system, at least not in the way it presently functions, could have undesirable consequences. If one can prove that the party operates as a criminal organization, encouraging its members to beat people up or even kill, then the thought of depriving its leaders and members of their electoral rights and parliamentary status, becomes more acceptable. But still the political, moral and legal boundaries are very shady and the danger that such a move could backfire, in so many ways, is a real one. The issue is not only one about the principles of freedom, civil rights and democracy, but will also have real impact on the political scene. If National Party Greeks participates in the upcoming elections, all indications show it will pass the 3% threshold to enter parliament, making it even more difficult than it is for the conservatives to achieve the necessary majority in parliament to form a government. |
| CHART OF THE WEEK |
 The new revised National Energy and Climate Plan foresees approximately 200 billion euros worth of investment in the ‘green transition’ of electricity generation, mobility, and construction, that will create 38,000 new job opportunities. Photovoltaic systems and energy storage are expected to be the main drivers of this ‘green transition’, with offshore wind power generation also expected to be a significant player. On the other hand, the construction rate of onshore wind power sites is expected to contract as the availability of potential sites is dwindling. New technologies, like hydrogen, are also expected to be featured more prominently in the future and to contribute to the goal of Greek climate neutrality by 2050. |
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| ECONOMY IN A NUTSHELL |
| “The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index continues its climb to the 1,000-point mark, closing at 979.06 points on Friday. On a weekly basis, the general index grew by 1.10%.” |
| “More than 4,500 workers, 124 investors, and 335 pensioners have decided to move their tax residence to Greece, benefitting from the new favorable legislative framework. Many of those returning had left Greece during the financial crisis. A further 1,500 applications are pending.” |
| “The Attica neighborhoods of Vrilissia (28.4%), Mets (21.9%), Ilisia (21.8%), Kallithea (21.7%), and Moschato (21.3%) saw the greatest increases in real estate asking prices in 2022. The continued growth of the Greek real estate market is attributed to the return of foreign investors, as well as an increase of Greek buyers who are seeking to complete transactions before further interest rate hikes.” |
| WHAT'S ON THE AGENDA |
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Editor's Pick Greek television is only capable of creating easy-viewing programs, not hard-hitting investigations.Paschos MandravelisRead the article |
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