Democrats take both chambers of Congress as Trump concedes midterm defeat
First published Wed, Nov 4
Democrats won control of both the House and the Senate in the US midterm elections, taking Congress from Donald Trump's Republicans. Greek outlets reported the result as a sweeping Democratic victory and a reversal for Trump, who loses control of the legislature.1234
Trump acknowledged defeat, saying the Democrats "did a good job." In his first post after the result he also wrote: "If I were on the ballot we would have won."56
In Texas, Democratic Senate candidate Jace Talarico took a seat held by Republicans for 38 years. The loss hit Trump, who had invested heavily in the state, and coverage tied the race to a contest involving the Bush family and Trump.7
The result was described as a major upset in Republican strongholds, with Trump left "boxed in" politically.8
2
Russian group claims three fake bomb threats on flights in Bulgaria and Italy
First published Fri, Nov 6
A Russian organisation calling itself the "Warriors of the Male State" signed an email that triggered panic with bomb threats against flights across Europe, according to LiFO. The threats formed a barrage against flights in Europe, and a Russian organisation was behind three hoaxes in Bulgaria and Italy, ertnews.gr reported. Experts quoted in coverage described the campaign as one of chaos.123
The alert wave put Europe on alert, with outlets asking who was behind the threats. Kathimerini reported a "wave of threats" sweeping Europe, and CNN.gr framed the story around the question of who is hiding behind the barrage of bomb threats against flights.45
During the alert wave, some flights were diverted and others landed escorted by fighter jets, and the European Union's information-sharing mechanism was activated in response.6
3
Father on Rhodes says "Paidiki Chara" raised 63,000 euros for his daughter and gave 40,000
First published Mon, Nov 2 · Updated Wed, Nov 4
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
A father on Rhodes has accused the charity "Paidiki Chara" of collecting 63,000 euros for his 12-year-old daughter, who has a serious health problem, and passing on only 40,000 euros. He is the latest parent to come forward with a complaint about the organisation's handling of donations.12
The founder of "Paidiki Chara", Firnidis, is described in reports on his lifestyle: luxury trips, hotel suites and conversations with bouzouki club hosts. One quoted line has him saying "I usually take the suite", and another has him saying "I want women too". A separate account quotes him saying "I have spent 100,000 euros on you".345
Attributed claim: Firnidis's partner was also arrested in the "Paidiki Chara" case, and reporting describes a sham divorce and companies linked to the couple. The accounts of the money differ: the complaint from Rhodes concerns 63,000 euros collected and 40,000 handed over, while a quoted remark attributed to Firnidis refers to 100,000 euros spent.625
Mary Synatsaki said the case was "shocking" and that it "treads on the bodies of sick children". Her comment was carried by News 24/7 and repeated in other outlets' round-ups of the story.728
UPDATES
· New development
A second father has come forward, saying 42,000 euros were collected for his son's treatment and that the family received not a single euro.11121314
Investigators are examining 5.8 million euros in donations to "Paidiki Chara", and the anti-money-laundering authority traced 300,000 euros to Luxembourg.1214
· New development
A 35-year-old woman charged in the "Paidiki Chara" case has been ordered held in pre-trial detention, with reports identifying her as the wife of founder Firnidis.910
4
Iliana Yotova wins Bulgaria's presidential election as first woman president
First published Mon, Nov 2
Iliana Yotova won Bulgaria's presidential election, becoming the country's first woman president. With 99.95 percent of polling stations counted, the Yotova–Valchev ticket took 57.58 percent of the vote, about 1.1 million ballots.123
Yotova, a former journalist and nurse, defeated the pro-Western Andrei Gyurov. She has said she wants dialogue with Moscow, and her win is described as consolidating Bulgaria's turn toward Russia.415
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Yotova, and her opponent Andrei Gyurov also offered congratulations. At the point when 29 percent of the count was in, Yotova's lead stood at 19 points.67
Exit polls had put Yotova ahead in the race before the count was complete. The result makes her the first woman elected to Bulgaria's presidency.891011
5
LNG tanker bound for Qatar hit by two missiles near Saudi Arabia in Persian Gulf
First published Mon, Nov 2
An LNG tanker was struck by two missiles near Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf and caught fire, with coverage describing it as one of the largest LNG carriers in the world. The vessel was carrying Qatari LNG. The strike came despite an Iranian permit for the ship to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.12345
The attack was described as a dangerous escalation in the Gulf. The tanker was hit near the Saudi coast, and the reports place the incident at the Strait of Hormuz, the passage Iran had cleared the vessel to use.15
Separately, at least four people were killed in Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip, Politica.gr reported.6
Also this week
Published earlier this week and since overtaken by bigger stories. Open one to read it in full.
Family of a child in the "Paidiki Chara" case takes the charity to court for the first timeA family has gone to court over the "Paidiki Chara" charity, the first time a child's relatives have taken legal action in the case. The organization's founder, Konstantinos Firnidis, is in pre-trial detention after telling an investigating magistrate he had a gambling addiction and delusions of grandeur, and that between 400,000 and 600,000 euros were never handed over.
Family of a child in the "Paidiki Chara" case takes the charity to court for the first time
First published Fri, Nov 6
A family has gone to court over the "Paidiki Chara" charity, the first time a child's relatives have taken legal action in the case. The organization's founder, Konstantinos Firnidis, is in pre-trial detention after telling an investigating magistrate he had a gambling addiction and delusions of grandeur, and that between 400,000 and 600,000 euros were never handed over.123
The lawyer for the family of a girl named Maritina told ERTnews that the charity blocked a fundraising account set up for her, and The TOC reported that her condition is described as extremely critical. Firnidis, speaking from prison, said the organization had helped 91 families and that he took money "as a loan."345
The lawyer representing Firnidis and Manisiotis in the case has resigned, citing a disagreement between them, iefimerida.gr reported. Firnidis appeared before the magistrate with bruises on his face, according to The TOC.678
Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis said other NGOs are also under scrutiny and that the investigations "do not stop here," adding that "every illegal activity is dealt with decisively."910
Greek charity founder Firnidis held in pre-trial detention over 2.9 million euro theft from donationsKonstantinos Firnidis, the 37-year-old founder of the charity "Paidiki Chara", was ordered held in pre-trial detention after appearing before an investigating magistrate in Thessaloniki. He faces charges of embezzling 2.9 million euros from donations collected for children.
Greek charity founder Firnidis held in pre-trial detention over 2.9 million euro theft from donations
First published Thu, Nov 5
Konstantinos Firnidis, the 37-year-old founder of the charity "Paidiki Chara", was ordered held in pre-trial detention after appearing before an investigating magistrate in Thessaloniki. He faces charges of embezzling 2.9 million euros from donations collected for children.123
Firnidis told the magistrate he had a gambling addiction and delusions of grandeur, and that between 400,000 and 600,000 euros were not handed over. He said he was "remorseful and shattered" and asked for "sincere forgiveness from everyone, not for show".45
The case concerns money raised through charity appeals for children, including for children with cancer. Firnidis was brought before the magistrate on the morning of 5 November 2026.132
Commission projects Greece's population falling to 7.6 million by 2080A new European Commission report projects that Greece's population will shrink to 7.6 million by 2080, and that it will fall below 9 million by 2055. The report also points to pressure on the pension system, employment and growth as the population contracts.
Commission projects Greece's population falling to 7.6 million by 2080
First published Thu, Nov 5
A new European Commission report projects that Greece's population will shrink to 7.6 million by 2080, and that it will fall below 9 million by 2055. The report also points to pressure on the pension system, employment and growth as the population contracts.1234
The report sets out an increase in retirement age limits of up to one year by 2030. The Commission's findings were presented as a demographic warning for Greece over the coming decades.563
Separately, the Commission announced a new financial support package of 4.36 billion euros for Ukraine.7
Bomb threats force emergency landings of two Aegean flights from Athens and ThessalonikiTwo Aegean Airways flights, one departing Athens and one departing Thessaloniki, received bomb threats in flight and landed under emergency procedures, arriving normally in Vienna and Milan. The aircraft bound for Vienna carried Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Chatzivasileiou among its passengers. The threats were part of a wave targeting 25 flights across Europe, of which two involved Aegean aircraft.
Bomb threats force emergency landings of two Aegean flights from Athens and Thessaloniki
First published Thu, Nov 5
Two Aegean Airways flights, one departing Athens and one departing Thessaloniki, received bomb threats in flight and landed under emergency procedures, arriving normally in Vienna and Milan. The aircraft bound for Vienna carried Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Chatzivasileiou among its passengers. The threats were part of a wave targeting 25 flights across Europe, of which two involved Aegean aircraft.123
Flights were diverted and others landed escorted by fighter jets as the alerts spread across the continent. The European Union's information-sharing mechanism was activated in response.23
The alerts were false, with coverage describing the wave as fake bomb threats that put Europe on alert. Other aircraft were grounded across Europe as authorities responded.45
Greece sends amendment to parliament fixing 3 percent rate on out-of-court debt settlementsGreece's government has sent an amendment to parliament that sets a fixed 3 percent interest rate on out-of-court debt settlements, a change aimed at vulnerable and eligible borrowers in the out-of-court mechanism. The benefit from the reduced interest is put at up to 28,000 euros, with one account citing 28,600 euros in savings for qualifying borrowers. The rate would hold until the debt is repaid in full.
Greece sends amendment to parliament fixing 3 percent rate on out-of-court debt settlements
First published Wed, Nov 4
Greece's government has sent an amendment to parliament that sets a fixed 3 percent interest rate on out-of-court debt settlements, a change aimed at vulnerable and eligible borrowers in the out-of-court mechanism. The benefit from the reduced interest is put at up to 28,000 euros, with one account citing 28,600 euros in savings for qualifying borrowers. The rate would hold until the debt is repaid in full.123
The amendment also changes the rules for loan servicers, the companies that manage securitized bad loans. Coverage describes the measure as relief for borrowers in the out-of-court mechanism and sets out which debtors it covers and when it takes effect.12
On Article 23, Minister Pierrakakis rejected the suggestion that outside interests shaped the provision: "Who do you think dictated it to us? The servicers?" The remark was carried by the left-leaning Efimerida ton Syntakton.42
Opposition leader Nikos Androulakis is taking the fight to the government in parliament over private debt, Article 23 and the 120-installment arrangement, setting up a confrontation as the amendment comes to the floor.5
Greek prosecutors get 11 suspects in Katerini planning office bribery caseEleven people arrested in a corruption investigation at the Katerini urban planning office appeared before a prosecutor, with a deadline set for them to give statements on Thursday. Those held include four municipal employees and seven private engineers, while another 64 names appear in the case file.
Greek prosecutors get 11 suspects in Katerini planning office bribery case
First published Wed, Nov 4
Eleven people arrested in a corruption investigation at the Katerini urban planning office appeared before a prosecutor, with a deadline set for them to give statements on Thursday. Those held include four municipal employees and seven private engineers, while another 64 names appear in the case file.123
Investigators say the network took cash in envelopes and agendas and handled jobs through couriers, with payments passed through third parties or sent to relatives of those involved. The scheme was run under the cover of "provision of engineering services," and authorities seized 264,000 euros.4256
The case file links the ring to 151 planning cases, and Alpha TV reported that authorities also collected drugs money and jewellery. Kathimerini described a network of "favours," while The TOC called it a family corruption "factory" whose reach extended as far as the Ministry of Development.78910
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said officials who break their oath "will be located, brought before justice and dismissed," according to ProtoThema. The remark was carried as the arrests moved through the courts.6
Hackers send false nuclear and chemical strike alerts to phones in Russia and UkraineHackers breached the public warning applications used in both Ukraine and Russia, sending false alerts about nuclear and chemical strikes to the phones of millions of citizens. The fake messages warned of nuclear and chemical attacks, and in Ukraine also of radiological danger. The intrusions hit the systems that push air-raid and emergency warnings to civilians in the two countries.
Hackers send false nuclear and chemical strike alerts to phones in Russia and Ukraine
First published Tue, Nov 3
Hackers breached the public warning applications used in both Ukraine and Russia, sending false alerts about nuclear and chemical strikes to the phones of millions of citizens. The fake messages warned of nuclear and chemical attacks, and in Ukraine also of radiological danger. The intrusions hit the systems that push air-raid and emergency warnings to civilians in the two countries.1234
Kyiv moved to calm the public, stating that there is no radiological threat after the false alerts circulated. The Ukrainian capital's denial was carried alongside reports that the messages had reached ordinary users' mobile phones.3
The cyberattacks on the warning systems came after the end of a ceasefire, according to LiFO. The outlet reported the breaches in both countries' civil alert applications in the same period.5
Bomb threats force emergency landings of four European flights in Warsaw, Sofia and MurciaFour aircraft received bomb threats within a few hours, triggering alerts at airports in Warsaw, Sofia and Murcia. Emergency landings were reported in three countries. The flights involved had departed from London, Copenhagen, Manchester and Israel.
Bomb threats force emergency landings of four European flights in Warsaw, Sofia and Murcia
First published Tue, Nov 3
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Four aircraft received bomb threats within a few hours, triggering alerts at airports in Warsaw, Sofia and Murcia. Emergency landings were reported in three countries. The flights involved had departed from London, Copenhagen, Manchester and Israel.1234
The threats hit four flights in a single day, with airports in Poland, Spain and Bulgaria placed on alert.5678
Attributed claim: iefimerida.gr: One account put the number of threatened flights at six, reporting that a Ryanair aircraft landed in Rome escorted by military aircraft.9
Greece's weather service upgrades Agneta storm bulletin to red warning for four regionsGreece's National Meteorological Service upgraded its emergency bulletin for worsening weather, issued on Saturday 31 October 2026, to a dangerous-weather emergency bulletin based on the latest forecast data. The service placed four regions under a red warning, with heavy storms forecast for Attica.
Greece's weather service upgrades Agneta storm bulletin to red warning for four regions
First published Mon, Nov 2
Greece's National Meteorological Service upgraded its emergency bulletin for worsening weather, issued on Saturday 31 October 2026, to a dangerous-weather emergency bulletin based on the latest forecast data. The service placed four regions under a red warning, with heavy storms forecast for Attica.12
The storm, named Agneta, is expected to bring rain, thunderstorms and hail, and several areas are on orange alert. Forecasters expect the severe phenomena to develop over the next 24 hours, including in Attica.34
Mitsotakis puts New Democracy on election footing as cabinet meets and May 16 or June 13 scenarios circulatePrime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has placed New Democracy in a state of election readiness, with the cabinet meeting at 11 a.m. under his chairmanship. Reports circulating alongside the meeting name May 16 or June 13 as possible election dates.
Mitsotakis puts New Democracy on election footing as cabinet meets and May 16 or June 13 scenarios circulate
First published Mon, Nov 2
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has placed New Democracy in a state of election readiness, with the cabinet meeting at 11 a.m. under his chairmanship. Reports circulating alongside the meeting name May 16 or June 13 as possible election dates.123
After the cabinet session, Mitsotakis is due to go to New Democracy's offices on Piraeus Street for the first meeting of the party's Executive Secretariat. The party machinery is being mobilized alongside the government, with pressure applied to both the cabinet and the organization.34
Mitsotakis is described as sending a double election message, pairing the government session with the party meeting on the same day. In.gr reported heavy clouds on the road to the ballot box.56
