Give the man a tie? New Greek government shakes up fashion rules

By Elena Becatoros

There's been a definite clash between European Union officials and the new Greek government during its first week and a half in power - not so much over bailout loans and repayment schedules but over dress style.

Not for the Greeks the traditional suit-and-tie attire of European politics.

Almost the entire Greek cabinet appointed last week has adopted the fashion style of 40-year-old Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who steadfastly refuses to wear a tie, even while donning a suit.

European Parliament head Martin Schulz playfully waggled Tsipras' open collar as the newly sworn-in premier greeted his first foreign dignitary last week.

French Finance Minister Michel Sapin made a similar gesture in Paris over the weekend, smiling as he took hold of the broad-striped scarf worn by Greece's European Financial Relations Alternate Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and wrapped it across his neck and over his shoulder.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi went a step further Tuesday night, giving Tsipras an Italian tie to wear when Greece finally emerges from its protracted financial crisis - after Tsipras had reportedly said before the elections that he'd wear one if Greece reached a debt reduction agreement.

"We want to give Greece a real hand, which doesn't mean always agreeing with what you say. But we are sure that Greece will get out (of the crisis) and when that happens, we would like it if the premier wears an Italian tie," Renzi said, sparking laughter among the Greek delegation.

It's not just the lack of ties.

Eyebrows were raised at the new coalition government's swearing-in ceremony last week as Zoe Constantopoulou, the proposed Parliament president, arrived in flowing fuchsia trousers and a...