Use tourism revenue for better infrastructure, economists say
The great majority on a panel of 23 Greek economists agree that a significant part of tax revenue from tourism should be earmarked to improve infrastructure in tourist areas.
Wildfires sweep Greece, trigger mass evacuations
Wildfires were burning out of control in several parts of Greece early Wednesday, with the worst fronts in the northwestern Peloponnese, western Attica, northwestern Greece, and on the islands of Chios and Zakynthos, forcing thousands to evacuate and triggering road closures, power cuts and emergency rescues.
Private doctors granted public hospital access
Greece has officially opened the door for private doctors to use public hospital facilities to provide services to their own patients, following a joint decision by the ministries of Health and National Economy.
Wildfires: What we don’t know is what burns us
In Greece, according to official data from the Fire Service, an average of nearly 10,000 countryside wildfires occur every year.
Jerusalem Patriarchate stance over Sinai troubles Athens
Concern is growing in Athens over the stance of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in negotiations on the status of Saint Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai.
Competition Commission OKs acquisition of Ethniki Insurance
The Competition Commission has given the nod to Piraeus Bank’s acquisition of Ethniki General Insurance Co SA, deciding that the acquisition will not hinder competition in the sector.
Electric car subsidy applications open until year’s end
Consumers, both individual and corporate, have until the end of the year to apply for a subsidy for their new electric car.
Moody’s: Big Greek banks’ profits solid, bad loans down
Credit ratings agency Moody’s said Tuesday that half-year profits announced by Alpha, National, Piraeus Bank and Eurobank are on solid ground, based on credit expansion and nonperforming loans (2.9% in June) inching closer to the European average (2.2%).
Acibadem buys 80% stake in Bayindir Hospitals
Turkey’s largest hospital operator Acibadem has agreed to buy an 80% stake in Bayindir Hospitals from Is Bankasi for $55 million, Acibadem’s Chairman Mehmet Ali Aydinlar said on Tuesday.
On the front line
Civil defense personnel fight battles every year, in peacetime. They do not do a “normal” job. They dive into the fire to protect lives and property.