Skepticism

Several of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's economic pledges made last weekend at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) remain unclear while others contravene existing legislation.

"The failure of the European Union to give democratic and functional solutions to the present challenges will unavoidably lead to the triumph of chauvinism and an increase in nationalist conflicts," Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras warned on Tuesday.

The government is planning a further shift of the tax load to medium-sized and large property ownerships as it has promised to ease the burden on less expensive neighborhoods. Yet even the owners in the latter areas will only see small cuts to their Single Property Tax (ENFIA) dues, amounting to no more than 70 euros per annum.

As foreign auditors returned to Athens on Monday, for the first assessment of Greece's finances since the country exited its international bailouts last month, a top European official stressed that debt relief will depend on the continuation of economic reforms.

Greece does not think it needs to cut pensions next year or increase tax on earnings scheduled for 2020 because it expects to exceed budget surplus targets set under a post-bailout adjustment program, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Sunday.

Greece legislated the measures to convince its lenders that it would stay on the path of fiscal consolidation in the post-bailout period.

Greece's conservative opposition has criticized Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's speech at Thessaloniki International Fair Saturday, in which he laid out the leftist-led government's economic program for the coming year, describing it as a "swan song by a cynical prime minister who has deceived, humiliated, impoverished and divided the Greek people."

ONEX Shipyards of Greek-American entrepreneur Panos Xenocostas has expressed an interest in the acquisition of the two main Attica shipyards at Skaramangas and Elefsina.

Earlier this year it appeared likely that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras would try to capitalize on a smooth exit from the third bailout program by calling early elections this fall - a year ahead of schedule - before politically painful cuts in pensions take effect in 2019.

Police has bolstered security in the northern port city of Thessaloniki, as the finishing touches are put on the annual international fair that will be launched on Saturday by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras with a keynote policy speech.

A police patrol on Thursday stopped a car carrying four passengers who had sledge-hammers and gas masks in the trunk of the vehicle. The car was stopped on the northbound lane of the national highway from Athens to Thessaloniki, which is hosting the annual international fair starting this weekend.