Greece Weekly News - May 1st to May 6th, 2025

Strikes Disrupt Services, Social Issues and Political Developments Unfold

The past week in Greece has been marked by significant local events, impacting daily life and highlighting key social and political issues. The week began with widespread transportation disruptions on May 1st as labour unions across the country held strikes to observe International Workers' Day. This resulted in a complete halt of ferry services and significantly reduced schedules for buses and trolleys in Athens, causing considerable inconvenience for commuters and travellers.

Crowds gather on the streets during May 1st road riots, holding banners and flags, as they protest amidst a backdrop of Panepistimiou street.

The academic community in Patras was disturbed by an alleged assault on a professor at the University of Patras on May 5th, leading to the arrest of a student. This incident has raised concerns about safety within university campuses.

On the political front, an opinion poll released around May 5th reportedly indicates a lead for the New Democracy party, suggesting shifts in the public's political sentiment.

In a move to address a critical public health issue, the government reportedly announced on May 4th the provision of free endocrinologist appointments and necessary medication for individuals suffering from severe obesity. Meanwhile, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki also experienced unrest on May 5th with a confrontation involving hooded individuals that resulted in injuries to a university employee, prompting an ongoing investigation.

Athens experienced localized disruptions on May 5th due to multiple car fires in the Pagrati area, leading to traffic issues and raising concerns about potential causes.

On a technological front, a new application named "Kid Wallet" has been introduced in Greece, designed to empower parents with tools to monitor their children's mobile device usage.

The business world is closely watching the developments surrounding Avramar, a major player in the Greek fish farming industry, with reports on May 6th indicating a critical phase in its potential acquisition, where the role of banks is expected to be decisive..

However, concerns were raised about environmental safety, with a Financial Times report reportedly highlighting Athens as particularly vulnerable to wildfires. The report cited the geographical characteristics of the region as contributing to this risk.

In a deeply concerning development, shocking allegations emerged from Rhodes on May 6th detailing the systematic abuse of a 13-year-old girl, leading to a police investigation following the mother's complaint. In a move towards greater government transparency and accountability, a new system is reportedly being launched to allow citizens to evaluate public services, with the government indicating plans to use this feedback for future improvements.