Gerapetritis: Global Stability Under Threat

  • Greek FM Giorgos Gerapetritis called this the most turbulent global period since WWII.
  • In an AP interview from New York, he condemned Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack as “inhumane” and criticized ongoing violence in Gaza.
  • Urged immediate cease-fire and expanded humanitarian aid.
  • Stressed democracy’s self-correcting nature and called for leadership to rebuild trust.
  • Warned of a political identity crisis in the EU, worsened by the Ukraine war.
  • Supported Ukraine’s sovereignty but noted only partial success of Russia sanctions.
  • Highlighted growing U.S. investments in Greece, while downplaying tariff impact.

Positive Economic Outlook, Says Kerameus

  • EU forecasts Greece’s GDP growth at 2.3% in 2025 and 2.2% in 2026, driven by consumption and EU funds.
  • Labor Minister Niki Kerameus celebrated better-than-expected budget surplus (1.3%) and falling unemployment.
  • Digital Work Card expansion credited for a 637% surge in tourism overtime reports and 55% in food service.
  • 2024 GDP also grew 2.3% despite tight fiscal policy.
  • Inflation projected to ease to 2.3% by 2026; core inflation to 2.6%.
  • Debt-to-GDP ratio expected to drop to 140.6% by 2026.
  • U.S. tariffs deemed to have limited impact due to low trade exposure.

Greece Moves to Rein in Island Traffic

  • Government intensifies vehicle restrictions on Hydra and Spetses to preserve island character.
  • Hydra: New online registry and public hotline launched to report unlicensed vehicles for immediate action.
  • Spetses: Traffic-capacity study underway; results due June 15.
  • Based on findings, exemptions will be revised to limit vehicle use to essentials only.

Greece Rises in LGBTI Rankings but Faces Backlash

  • Greece ranks 7th in ILGA-Europe’s 2025 Rainbow Map out of 49 countries.
  • Key reforms: anti-discrimination laws, same-sex marriage, and adoption rights (first Orthodox-majority nation to legalize).
  • Gaps remain: No surrogacy or full parental rights for trans individuals.
  • ILGA notes rising anti-LGBTI violence and far-right opposition.
  • Public support: 60% for marriage, 37% for adoption.
  • Government says no new family law reforms planned; far-right pushing repeal efforts.
  • ILGA urges Greece to advance trans rights and adopt a national LGBTQ+ strategy.

Souvlaki Prices Symbolize Soaring Inflation

  • Souvlaki now costs €3.70–€5 in Attica, up to €7 on islands—up by €1 in just two years.
  • Even low-cost areas like Piraeus have seen steep increases.
  • Rising meat, energy, and wage costs blamed—not profiteering.
  • A family meal can now exceed €20, pushing many toward home-cooked alternatives.