Politics - Page 7 of 8

Syriza wins Greek elections

According to the exit polls that were conducted on behalf of the Greek tv networks Syriza is the winner of the Greek elections. This is the exit poll for Mega Channel that has Syriza in the lead with a comfortable margin. According to the statistical scenarios Syriza would need to gather 36.5% in order to get the majority in the Parliament. At the moment this seems a very likely development.

Syriza 35,5 – 39,5%

Nea Dimokratia 23 – 27%

Golden Dawn 6,4 – 8% The River 6,4 – 8%

Pasok 4,2 – 5,2%

EU re-affirms sanctions on Russia

The EU’s foreign policy regarding Russia was at the table at the recent meeting of European foreign affairs ministers. Federica Mogherini had circulated a paper among the group exploring the mood for a potential softening of the sanctions against Russia. Ms Mogherini suggested the EU might seek to improve relations with Russia by opening dialogue on a range of topics such as visas and energy policy. However, representatives of the UK, Poland and the Baltic states, traditionally cautious of Russia, considered it as an error in EU strategy.

Should Europe introduce tighter security measures after the Paris attacks?

Spain along with France and Germany push for introducing limits in passport-free travel within the Schengen area through national border ID checks.

Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović is the new Croatian President

Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović will become Croatia’s first female president following a narrow victory over the incumbent Ivo Josipović. This has been a male job ever since the country became independent after the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991.

Big homework for small Latvia

Latvia’s six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union comes at “a critical time for Europe”, according to Jean-Claude Junker, President of the European Commission. In his visit to Riga on 7 January, Mr Junker welcomed Latvia’s Presidency and the country’s priorities for the upcoming semester.

Ukraine: the worst year since World War II

Nearly half a million Ukrainians have fled the country since April. More than 387,000 went to Russia, and among them most were Russian speakers from the east. The official count by the UN is 4707 dead since the Ukrainian revolution turned violent at the end of February 2014.

Greece going into elections in strong anti-austerity climate

When the Greek conservative party failed to gather the necessary 180 votes to elect a president in the third parliamentary vote, snap elections were called, and the European press diagnosed a political crisis. Within days it became evident that this was not the case. Elections were set for 25 January.

Greece: Suspense Continues

The second round of voting for the election of a new president of Greece by the Greek parliament did not yield the necessary 200 votes. If the Parliament fails to elect a President in the third round, Greece will have general elections, with the left-wing Syriza party poised to obtain the majority of votes…

New leadership: Donald Tusk praised for efficiency

Taking over from Herman Van Rompuy, the former Polish prime minister is the first-ever president from a former Communist or Soviet state to take a top EU position since the 2004 enlargement. The summit was also the first formal occasion to showcase his English.

Greece in extremis before second Presidential election

In a highly polarised climate Greece appears to be heading closer to snap elections. The government has failed to secure the required 200 votes in the recent presidential elections for its candidate Stavros Dimas, a former European Commissioner.