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Short political reports of the KAS offices abroad

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KAS/Marian Wendt

Greece's new course after the summer break

Between demographic crisis and hope for reform

After the summer break, it is a tradition in Greece for the Prime Minister to outline the political agenda for the coming year at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). In 2025, this happened under special circumstances: Kyriakos Mitsotakis (New Democracy - ND) appeared noticeably under domestic political pressure at the beginning of September. In the polls, his party is currently only at around 25 percent – a significant slump compared to previous years. Inflation, the inherited corruption scandal in agricultural subsidies and the reappraisal of the Tempi train accident are currently leaving more people undecided. This made it even more important to send a positive and forward-looking message that Mitsotakis wanted to send from TIF: a political roadmap that combines short-term social relief with a long-term reform agenda. The focus was on solving the demographic crisis: tax breaks for young people and families, housing construction programmes and targeted aid for rural regions are intended to counteract low birth rates and emigration. In addition, the prime minister presented measures for the economy and the middle class, such as tax breaks and impulses to strengthen purchasing power. Finally, he underlined the need for far-reaching reforms with a European dimension – towards a modern state that asserts its role as a reliable partner in the EU.

Marian Wendt, Vasilis Karydas-Yfantis
September 24, 2025
Country reports
KAS

Special edition - Country reports with a difference

International comparison of accessibility

This publication provides research, compiled by some of our overseas offices, on the current situation of political participation for people with disabilities, in their respective countries. We hope that their reports will increase awareness of the sadly often persistent inequalities that remain and motivate all of us to pay greater heed to the issue of inclusion.

March 25, 2025
Country reports with a difference
Privatfoto / Vasilis Kougionis

Forest and vegetation fires in Greece 2024

Challenges, Impact & International aid

The year 2024 in Greece was marked by numerous and devastating forest fires. This season once again represented a considerable burden for the Greek civil protection and civil protection as well as the fire brigades. The damage to the environment was high, although it should be noted that significantly less area was burned than in the previous year. The government's measures for early detection  fires, the equipment of fire brigades, the reduction of fire loads and the harsh penalties for arsonists seem to be having an effect.  This report analyses the main causes and effects of the fires in Greece, compares the figures with 2023, identifies the structures of civil protection and presents international aid and its possibilities for improvement. 

Marian Wendt
March 18, 2025
Country reports
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

European elections 2024

Barrier-free?

The lack of equality for people with disabilities is still omnipresent in the European Union. For the 2019 European elections, a report by the European Economic and Social Committee showed that around 800,000 EU citizens from 16 member states were excluded from the right to vote in European elections due to national regulations because of their disabilities or mental illness. The European elections in June 2024 brought the issue back to the fore, as it is also about a lack of political participation. Here you will find a brief assessment by our KAS colleagues who have looked at the current conditions in their countries of assignment.

June 11, 2024
Country reports with a difference
Adobe Stocke / niyazz

Cyprus ahead of the European elections

DISY and AKEL in close competition, key issues of natural gas, migration and the war in Ukraine, worrying entry of the far-right ELAM into the European Parliament

On 9 June, over 700,000 Cypriots will vote for the European Parliament and local representatives. Key issues are the unresolved Cyprus question, natural gas reserves, migration and the impact of the war in Ukraine. Cyprus' relations with Greece, Israel and Egypt are intensifying. Forecasts and polls ahead of the European elections show intense competition for first place between the right-wing DISY party and the left-wing AKEL party. In the run-up to the European elections, DISY has set out its positions on six key issues, while it appears to agree with AKEL on only a few issues relating to Cyprus. Worryingly, the far-right ELAM is considered certain to enter the European Parliament.

Marian Wendt, Vasilis Karydas-Yfantis
May 31, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / Wassilis Aswestopoulos

Greece ahead of the European elections

Nea Demokratia favored despite crises, national issues dominate, EU issues such as defense and labor shortage in the background

The upcoming European elections in Greece on 9 June are being influenced by growing discontent and concern in the government camp. The rise of far-right parties, persistent inflation, a train accident in Tempi and a bugging scandal have put the governing party Nea Dimokratia (ND) in a defensive position. A few weeks before the European elections, a clear favourite is emerging: Nea Demokratia (ND) is expected to come first. The opposition party SYRIZA has secured second place, while PASOK, the socialist party, is in third place. The Greek European elections are centred around national issues. But the debate neglects critical EU issues such as defence, agricultural policy, an ageing population and labour shortages.

Marian Wendt, Vasilis Karydas-Yfantis
May 31, 2024
Country reports
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

Zypern auf dem Weg zur Inklusion

Inklusion weltweit – Aktueller Stand aus Zypern

Ein Teil der Insel Zyperns ist immer noch besetzt. In dem Maße, wie sich die politischen Führer bemühen, eine Lösung in der Zypernfrage zu erreichen, ihren Bürgern wirtschaftlichen Wohlstand zu verschaffen und die europäischen Werte zu unterstützen, bemühen sie sich auch, gesellschaftliche Veränderungen in die sich ständig verändernde Agenda aufzunehmen. Dabei gewinnen die Bedürfnisse und das Alltagsleben von Menschen mit Behinderungen für die Gesellschaft immer mehr an Bedeutung. Hier geben wir einen ersten Überblick über die aktuellen Vorhaben, die das Leben von Menschen mit Behinderungen auf Zypern erleichtern sollen.

Marian Wendt, Martha Kontodaimon
November 13, 2023
Country reports with a difference
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

Arbeiten an der Inklusion

Inklusion weltweit – Aktueller Stand aus Griechenland

Griechenland befindet sich im Übergang. Die Zeit nach der Krise der 2010er Jahre führt nicht nur zu einer wirtschaftlichen Erholung, sondern trägt auch zu sozialen Veränderungen bei. Im Zuge dessen werden die Bedürfnisse und der Alltag von Menschen mit Behinderungen für die Gesellschaft immer wichtiger. Hier präsentieren wir einen ersten Überblick über aktuelle Vorhaben, die das Leben für Menschen mit Behinderungen erleichtern.

Marian Wendt, Martha Kontodaimon
October 24, 2023
Country reports with a difference
KAS

Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the new stability in Hellas

Balance of the first legislative period and challenges of the new government

Greeks were called to the polls twice within five weeks in May and June to elect a new parliament. In both rounds of voting, which took place on the basis of different electoral laws, the Nea Dimokratia of the new and old head of government Kyriakos Mitsotakis won over 40% of the vote. Now it can govern with an absolute majority for the next four years. What are the reasons for the high approval rating? Why was the opposition unable to score, and how will the new Greek government work in the future? - this country report provides the answers.

Marian Wendt, Vasilis Karydas-Yfantis
July 26, 2023
Country reports
KAS

Parliamentary Elections in Greece

Stability or Deadlock?

On May 21, 2023, Greece is going to elect a new Parliament. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has asked the President to dissolve the Vouli at the end of his 4-year term. There is a good chance that Mitsotakis will remain Prime Minister and be able to stay his course of stability, progress and growth; but opposition leader Tsipras is also trying to form a possible coalition of up to four parties. However, due to the changed electoral law and some uncertainties, a second ballot will very likely be necessary before a new government is formed.

Marian Wendt, Vasilis Karydas-Yfantis
May 2, 2023
Country reports

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About this series

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is a political foundation. Our offices abroad are in charge of over 200 projects in more than 120 countries. The country reports offer current analyses, exclusive evaluations, background information and forecasts - provided by our international staff.

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Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.