Tag Archives: Athens

Greek Finance Ministry called for the immediate evacuation of the headquarters of  public broadcaster ERT under occupation by the fire personnel. In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, the Ministry announced a plan for the compensation of the dismissed 2,656 ERT personnel. In a short statement, the Finance Ministry calls …

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What happened last night in Greece? I could summarize it in just a few words: we have very extrovert politicians in the government who prefer to carry out their disagreements in public than sit in an office and work out their differences in public. Otherwise I have no reasonable explanation …

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The meeting between PM Antonis Samaras, Evangelos Venizelos (PASOK) and Fotis Kouvelis (Democratic Left) ended in impasse only 45 minutes after it started on thursday evening. It looks as if junior partner Democratic Left (Kouvelis) withdraws its support to Samaras. Kouvelis statement expected soon. 10:47 pm Fotis Kouvelis speaking: “I …

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Last night they agreed. Prime Minister Samaras and his coalition government partners Venizelos (PASOK) and Kouvelis (Democratic Left) agreed about shutdown public broadcaster ERT. They just didn’t dare to speak openly about it.  Venizelos and Kouvelis  kept the ‘agreement’ in secret in order to continue negotiations with Samaras in order …

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The crucial meeting of prime minister Antonis Samaras with his coalition government partners Evangelos Venizelos (PASOK) and Fotis Kouvelis (Democratic Left) started at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. The three leaders seek a compromise on re-opening of public broadcasting ERT shutdown by Samaras’ order per Legislation Act on June 11th 2013. …

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Finally! A Greek public servant started to think beyond the narrow paragraphs of bureaucracy and take advantage of given possibilities and options  for the shake and benefit of the public.  The CEO of Sismanoglio public hospital in Athens paved the way for a radical utilization of the garden plot surrounding …

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The crucial meeting among Greek prime minister Antonis Samaras and his coalition partners Evangelos Venizelos (PASOK) and Fotis Kouvelis (Democratic Left) meet at 7:30 pm. Coalition government cohesion is at risk after Samaras ordered the shut down of public broadcaster ERT on June 11th 2013. While the government leaders meet, …

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German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble expressed the wish to visit Athens. The wish was expressed during a phone conversation with his Greek counterpart Yiannis Stournaras on Monday. Greek media report that the German FinMin also told Stournaras that Greece has to continue with the reforms. Shcaueble said that Athens has …

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Emotions were high during the Grand solidarity concert at public broadcaster ERT on Friday evening. 500 musicians from all music ensembles from Athens and Piraeus, the orchestra from Greek National Opera, and of course the overnight-fired musicians and choir members of the ERT Symphonic Orchestra and modern ensembles joined the …

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The president of European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Jean-Paul Philippot is currently in Athens to discuss the issue of ERT shutdown with Greek finance minister Yiannis Stournaras, who is now the holder of ownership title of the public broadcaster. He is reportedly to ask Stournaras and the government to reestablish ERT …

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Oh oh oh! A very dangerous four-legged protester. Holding a banner. Urging protesters to stop killing … mosquitoes. “Don’t kill mosquitoes – It’s other sucking our blood – suppression/state – capital/markets” PS I think,  this dog is an anarchist….

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Thousands protesters are currently outside the headquarters of Greek public broadcaster ERT, that was suddenly shut down on June 11/2013 – with an order of prime minister Antonis Samaras.  Journalists and technicians who were dismissed and lost their jobs  overnight have occupied the ERT HQ and broadcast live on 24-hour …

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Oh, these are the little things in life that they may go unnoticed by the majority of people. The symphonic orchestra, the music ensemble and the choir of  – former – Greek public broadcaster ERT.  The State Orchestra of Athens and the Greek Festival were enforced to cancel a concert …

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Half an hour after midnight and several thousands people are gathered outside ERT to protest the ‘sudden death’ of Greece’s national broadcaster. Fellow journalists, common people but also singers giving a solidarity concert. Inside the ERT premises, journalists and technicians who occupy the studios keep transmitting a live program  commenting …

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Personnel at Greece’s state broadcasting company ERT allegedly took control of the building after Samaras’ government decided to close it and lay off hundreds of employees. According to Greek media reports, the employees decided to occupy the building on a 24-hour basis after  prime minister Antonis Samaras decided to close …

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I am deeply touched – once again. Inspiring speeches and admitting mistakes always touch me deep inside. After International Monetary Fund accepted its calculation mistakes in the Greek austerity program, former head of Eurogroup Jean Claude Juncker admitted another grave mistake: the mistake of Eurogroup. “It was our mistakes to …

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What is this that can make the difference in Athens underground? A group of Caryatids waiting at the metro station… The statue of a Caryatid in red – amazing pitch amid the metallic, neon light, icy-cold decoration of the station ! I am so impressed by this particular picture I …

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Passengers in Athens buses and trolleys will have to pay higher prices,  if they purchase their tickets from the drivers of  these two public transport means. Bus- and trolley drivers will sell the tickets at 1,50 euro. Currently the prices are:  1,40 euro for the combined ticket for more than one  …

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EU Commissioner for Taxation put a heavy tombstone in Greece’s hopes to reduce the Value Added Tax in catering services and goods. During a press conference in Athens, Lithuanian Algirdas Semeta made it clear that there was no room for tax reduction. Instead he advised Samaras’ government to build a …

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An earthquake with magnitude 4.4 on the Richter scale shook the broader Attica region. The tremor occurred at o4:56 in the morning and lasted 2 to 3 seconds. According to Geodynamic Institute of Athens Observatory, the epicenter was 4 km SE of Pikermi and 22 km East of Athens. It …

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