Antonis Samaras described the government's policy as “managerial, neoliberal”, spoke of cartelization of the economy and called for 13% VAT in catering and a special bank for small and medium-sized enterprises. He also argued that the cost for a small business increased by 35% in the last two years and criticized the insistence on over-surpluses.
Why it matters This is a public challenge to the government's economic line by a former prime minister, with specific proposals instead of general criticism.
Natural gas shows increases of 55%, electricity 15%, and heating oil remains 38% more expensive, with households turning to electricity. In his weekly review, the prime minister mentioned a heating oil subsidy of 40 cents per liter, a 30% increase in the heating allowance, and reductions in petrol and diesel until 31 October, as well as three Greek proposals that were adopted at European level.
Why it matters It determines households' cost of living in winter and the ground for political confrontation in the coming months.
SYRIZA rejected Polakis's proposal for a congress and election of a leader
The Central Committee of SYRIZA-PS voted down, with 52 votes against, 30 in favor and 4 abstentions, Pavlos Polakis's proposal for a regular congress in January and the election of a new president by the base. Rena Dourou and Nikos Pappas defended the collective leadership that had been decided in June.
Why it matters The decision currently locks in the collective leadership model, but the internal party disagreement over the leadership remains open.
Mehrdad Akhlaghi takes over as Iran's defense minister, eight months after his predecessor was killed on the first day of the war in the Middle East, with decades of service in the Iranian defense industry.
Why it matters The choice of a defense-industry figure shows what Tehran is prioritizing amid war.
France: around 1,200 arrests and burned town hall in Limoges
After Saturday's protests against the cost of living, the authorities carried out about 1,200 arrests and 150 police officers were injured, while the fire at Limoges town hall was brought under control.
Why it matters The scale of the incidents is testing the French government and will weigh on the European agenda in the coming period.
Egypt is considering defense assistance to Saudi Arabia
President Sisi requested parliamentary authorization so that Cairo can provide defense assistance to Saudi Arabia, if requested, with parliament being convened in an emergency session.
Why it matters It shows the pressure the Houthis are exerting on Riyadh and broadens Egypt's military role in the region.
President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the Turkish side is setting conditions before the resumption of negotiations, citing Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman's insistence on a rotating presidency, and responded that he had never said that the 19 points were submitted in writing. The Finance Minister reiterated that the government remains committed to a solution on the basis of UN resolutions.
Why it matters It shows how far away the resumption of substantive negotiations on the Cyprus issue still is.
A collision of four vehicles occurred near Parekklisia and a second, of five vehicles, near Agios Tychonas. The right lane was closed and later reopened to traffic, with traffic police asking for low speeds and keeping distances due to heavy traffic.
Why it matters It directly affects those travelling on the main Limassol–Nicosia axis.
29 convictions for trafficking in persons do not show the real extent
According to Police data, in the period 2020–2026, 29 convictions for trafficking in persons were recorded in Cyprus. Commissioner for Administration Maria Stylianou Lottidi stressed that the number does not necessarily reflect the scale of the phenomenon and called for early identification and substantive protection of victims.
Why it matters It calls into question the image that Cyprus is dealing effectively with trafficking in persons.
The temporary group exhibition 'Female Angels' was inaugurated at the 'Elytis House' Museum in Plaka by Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni. It presents 50 paintings and sculptures, 20 of which are by Odysseas Elytis, with the participation of 13 artists.
Why it matters It highlights the female element in Elytis's work and provides an occasion to visit Plaka.
On Sunday morning the 40-day memorial service for Giorgos Mazonakis was held at the Holy Trinity Church in Nikaia, with his family, artists and a large crowd giving their «present». Metropolitan of Nikaia Alexios spoke about the singer's sensitivity and his quiet contribution, while Angela Dimitriou spoke with emotion and his sister Maria collapsed in tears.
Why it matters The ceremony publicly closes the cycle of mourning for one of the most popular Greek singers.
On SKAI's programme «Reportaz stis 10», Mina Karamitrou reacted to comments about Giorgos Mazonakis's habits, saying that none of them had any relation to his end. On «MEGA Non Stop», Zisis Mousios reacted to a forensic examiner's references to the administration of anaesthetic substances.
Why it matters The public discussion about the causes of the death remains charged and controversial.
In Nielsen's measurements for 17 October, Natalia Germanou's «Kalytera de Ginetai!» came first in the midday zone in dynamic audience and total, while Alpha's «Savvatokyriako me ton Manesi» was first in the morning zone.
Why it matters Ratings affect the advertising market and the channels' decisions.
The interior minister, Laurent Nunez, said more than 1,800 people were arrested during Saturday's cost-of-living protests and that over 500 police, gendarmes and firefighters were hurt; other official figures put arrests at 1,200 with 150 officers injured. Cars and buildings were set alight and shops ransacked in several cities, including Paris.
Why it matters It is the worst unrest in France in years, and the government is betting that heavy policing will hold while it refuses to change course on living costs.
Fatalities and injuries in fire at Canadian military base
Defence minister David McGuinty said an incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta caused deaths and injuries and a large fire, with patients taken to hospitals in Edmonton. Officials have not given a cause or a death toll, citing a still active and delicate situation.
Why it matters One of Canada's busiest training bases is effectively shut down by an incident whose cause remains unexplained.
On Sunday morning, a drone that flew into Lithuania from Poland crashed in the northern part of the country, in Pasvalys district; debris damaged a car on the road, the road was closed, and helicopters and fighter jets were deployed. An air danger alert was declared in Panevėžys and Šiauliai counties and residents received messages to go to shelters, while according to the National Crisis Management Center the signal was cancelled after almost an hour. According to Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas, the drone could not be shot down because it was not visually identified, as required under peacetime conditions; Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius says that the sabotage version must be investigated.
Why it matters The incident showed how quickly an air danger alert reaches specific municipalities and raises questions about the effectiveness of air defence and civil protection.
Attempt to set fire to company storing Starlink equipment: Prime Minister blames Russia
At around 2 a.m. on Sunday, an attempt was made to set fire to a Lithuanian company where Starlink communications equipment is stored. The services had warned the company about possible attacks and strengthened security, so the fire was quickly brought under control, while Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas acknowledged that fire did nevertheless break out on the territory. Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius stated that Russia is most likely responsible for the attempt and called it part of hybrid warfare.
Why it matters This is direct evidence of a foreign state's actions on Lithuanian territory and a signal that facilities safeguarding strategic communications equipment are becoming targets of sabotage.
Nausėda: Russia's war is spilling over into NATO's eastern flank
President Gitanas Nausėda, commenting on Sunday's drone incident, said that such events show Russia's war against Ukraine spreading into NATO's and the European Union's eastern flank. This is his assessment, not a new confirmed fact about the circumstances of the incident.
Why it matters The head of state's wording indicates how Lithuania intends to position the incident among allies – as a flank security issue, and not solely a national problem.
Antonis Samaras presented three proposals for small and medium-sized enterprises, among them a special bank and 13% VAT in catering, and criticised the 72 installments and the over-surpluses. He spoke of "social liberalism" at a conference in Messenia.
Why it matters It gives a signal of economic policy outside government, with proposals that directly affect businesses and catering.
The Ministry of Development is promoting modernisation of street markets, with afternoon operation, new rules for licenses and stalls, and the possibility for producers and professional vendors to operate on the same day.
Why it matters It changes the daily operation of thousands of small vendors and consumers' access.
A new OECD report records Greece's positive performance in fair treatment of citizens, personalised support and dispute resolution mechanisms. The Ministry of Justice and Akis Skertsos welcomed it.
Why it matters It improves the image of the institutional environment, which counts for investments and public services.
A wobble in AI-related shares has revived the argument that the massive build-out in artificial intelligence may repeat the pattern of earlier capital-spending booms such as railways and the internet. Semiconductor stocks have fallen by uneven amounts, and the recent ructions are being read as a preview of what a genuine bursting of the AI bubble could do to markets.
Why it matters AI-linked names carry a large share of index gains, so the debate over whether this is a durable build-out or a bubble is now the single biggest swing factor for equity portfolios.
Panathinaikos hosts Asteras Tripolis at 17:30 at OAKA for the 7th matchday of the Super League. Nistrup is expected to make a small rotation and the "greens" want the win to stay first.
Why it matters It is the match in which the leader is called to avoid a slip-up before locking in its position at the top.
Olympiacos faces Panetolikos at 17:00 in Agrinio for the 7th matchday. Imanol Alguacil stressed that his team expects a difficult match against an opponent in good form.
Why it matters Olympiacos is still looking for another three points at one of the most demanding grounds in the championship.
Panathinaikos hosts Peristeri at 13:00 at "Telekom Center Athens" for the 3rd matchday of the Stoiximan GBL. Nunn and Sloukas returned and are available to Obradovic, while Lesor and Bonga were left out.
Why it matters For the first time this year Obradovic has his two main guards together, something that changes the team's image.
After Suns owner Mat Ishbia said in a CNBC interview that buying stars like Kevin Durant does not guarantee championships, Durant hit back on X, comparing the framing to a DUI arrest, and Dillon Brooks answered him. The exchange kept Phoenix in the headlines for off-court reasons on the eve of the season.
Why it matters It is the day's loudest NBA storyline, and it sets an awkward tone around the Suns just before the games start.
Trail Blazers waive Jeremy Sochan before the season starts
Portland cut the Polish forward after four preseason appearances, leaving the roster at 17 including three two-way players. One report notes his passport could make him an option for EuroLeague clubs.
Why it matters A former lottery pick hitting the open market days before opening night is a genuine surprise, and a European landing spot is already being floated.
Magic's Noah Penda tears hamstring, faces weeks out
Penda suffered a partially torn right hamstring in Orlando's preseason finale against Miami and is expected to miss significant time, with no recovery timetable set. Franz Wagner also left that game early with a shoulder problem.
Why it matters It thins Orlando's frontcourt right as the season opens and interrupts the second-year step the Magic were counting on.
The 41st European Club Cup began on Saturday in Budva, Montenegro, with 108 teams in the open section and 22 in the women's event. Defending champions SuperChess Romania and Monte-Carlo both won comfortably, though Novy Bor's Nils Grandelius lost to Serbian CM Slobodan Filipovic, and seventh-seeded Crvena Zvezda were held to a draw in the women's tournament.
Why it matters It is the biggest club event of the year, and the top seeds could rest stars such as Abdusattorov, Giri and Erdogmus and still sweep 6-0, which shows how lopsided round one was.
So stretches US Championship lead; Lee and Li share women's lead
Wesley So beat Andy Woodward in a pawn endgame in round eight to reach six points and extend his sole lead at the 2026 U.S. Chess Championship, having earlier overtaken Ray Robson from a worse position in round seven. In the women's event Alice Lee and Rachael Li are tied on 5½/7, with Irina Krush close behind.
Why it matters So is the only unbeaten player and is converting small endgame edges into wins, which is how championships are won.
FIDE has announced how qualification spots for the 2027 World Cup and Women's World Cup are allocated from results at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Why it matters It fixes the pathway into the next world championship cycle, which matters to federations and players planning their calendars.
Taylor Swift wore custom Dior by Jonathan Anderson and performed at the Los Angeles gala, where Charlize Theron accepted the Icon Award in Tom Ford; Kate Hudson and A$AP Rocky made the best-dressed list.
Why it matters The gala generates a dense cluster of red-carpet fashion coverage and brand exposure.
Chinese designer Yui Chen won the grand prize at the 41st Hyères festival for airy, sculptural pieces, as the event is being revamped under new leadership.
Why it matters The Hyères prize is a prominent launchpad for emerging designers, and the festival's reset adds attention.
The sixth annual Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles brought out Charlize Theron, who received the Icon Award, and Taylor Swift, who wore a custom Dior gown and was set to perform. Hailey Bieber appeared in Chanel amid a deep celebrity turnout.
Why it matters The gala is one of Hollywood's most visible autumn events and drives a day of fashion and celebrity coverage.
TikTok permanently suspended the advertising account for Alex Gibney's documentary Musk as the film expanded into theaters, and distributor Bleecker Street says it has been unable to promote the wider release.
Why it matters A major platform cutting off a film's marketing as it goes wide puts a spotlight on how much control tech companies hold over distribution.
Carrot Top Speaks Out After Suicide Attempt, Plans Return to Comedy
Comedian Carrot Top, whose real name is Scott Thompson, has spoken publicly for the first time since being hospitalized in Las Vegas after a suicide attempt, thanking people for their messages and saying he intends to return to comedy.
Why it matters It is a rare public statement from a well-known comic about a serious personal crisis and his plan to come back to work.
Two Years On, Harry Styles and Kate Cassidy Remember Liam Payne
Harry Styles debuted an unreleased song, "What Is Enough," dedicated to his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne during his Madison Square Garden show, and Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy described their final moments together.
Why it matters The tributes mark the second anniversary of Payne's death and show how central he remains to the One Direction fanbase.
Alliance Arts has cancelled a public Steam demo for its horror drinking game Drunken Goddess Reflux, citing concern that AI-assisted developers would copy it instantly, and will hold closed sessions instead.
Why it matters A small, concrete case of AI anxiety directly changing how a studio ships its game.
The Blood of Dawnwalker 1.1 adds easier Story mode and animal petting
The Blood of Dawnwalker protagonist Coen holds a swordImage: pcgamer.comIllustration: A person holding a game controller while playing a racing video gameIllustration: Pixabay · licence
Update 1.1 for The Blood of Dawnwalker adds a new Story mode with combat assist that is easier than the existing one, a respec potion, and the ability to pet dogs and cats.
Why it matters A routine patch that adds accessibility and respec options for a game still building its audience.
After criticism, Meta removed language from its commercial terms suggesting it could use content from domains and URLs to develop and improve its AI. A spokesperson said the change does not alter how Meta crawls the web.
Why it matters Terms like these set precedents for whether publishers can stop their content being used as training data.
Apple's first foldable went up for pre-order and sold out quickly in most regions, with delivery estimates already pushed to late January. A report says Apple staff have been told to warn customers that buying one in a store on launch day will probably not be possible without a pre-order.
Why it matters Apple's foldable debut is the season's biggest hardware launch, and supply looks constrained from day one.
Meta drops terms that hinted at scraping sites for AI training
After criticism, Meta removed wording suggesting it could use content from external domains and news sites to develop and improve its AI. A Meta spokesperson said the change does not reflect any shift in how the company crawls the web.
Why it matters Big platforms' terms of service are where the boundaries of AI data collection are actually drawn.
Qualcomm's CMO pushed back publicly on reports that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 runs hot enough to throttle, after a Korean outlet said Samsung was weighing an all-Exynos lineup for the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
Why it matters The claim touched a real decision point: which chip powers Samsung's next flagship.
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