Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Greece successfully hosts the 28th Summer Olympic Games amid much muffled rumour that
infrastructure would not be complete in time. Greece also wins the European football champi-
onship.
2007
Vast forest fires devastate much of the western Peloponnese as well as parts of Evia and Epiros,
causing Greece's worst ecological disaster in decades. Thousands lose their homes and 66
people perish.
2007
General elections are held in September and the conservative government of Kostas Karaman-
lis returns to power for a second consecutive term.
2008
Police shoot and kill a 15-year-old boy in Athens following an alleged exchange between police
and youths. This sparks a series of urban riots nationwide.
2009
Eurozone countries approve a $US145 billion (€110 billion) rescue package for the country's
economic crisis, in exchange for tougher austerity laws.
2011
Tens of thousands of protesters march on parliament to oppose government efforts to pass new
austerity laws. Prime Minister Papandreou resigns.
2011
A coalition government is formed by Antonis Samaras of the New Democracy party.
2012
Parliament passes a €13.5bn austerity plan aimed at securing the next round of EU and IMF
bailout loans.
2012
Proposed government cuts include 22% off the minimum wage, 15% off pensions and 15,000
public sector jobs.
2013
