Latest news with #Greece
Reuters
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Reuters
Tanak leads in Greece after a day of heat and punctures
June 27 (Reuters) - Hyundai's Ott Tanak ended the first full day of the Acropolis Rally with a slender three second lead over teammate Adrien Fourmaux as the Greek heat and rough roads left rivals struggling to keep up. Tanak stayed out of trouble to lead on Friday night despite not winning any of the seven gravel stages in temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius. "At times it was difficult to keep everything in one piece but I think in the end we must be happy that we didn't have any big trouble with the tyres or with the car," said the Estonian. Hyundai's reigning champion and last year's Acropolis winner Thierry Neuville led after stage three but then dropped three minutes after collecting two punctures, before taking the day's final stage to end the day eighth. Toyota's Takamoto Katsuta and Kalle Rovanpera also lost time with tyre problems. Teammate and eight-times world champion Sebastien Ogier was in third place, 16.9 seconds behind Tanak after leading up to stage five, and won two stages to Fourmaux's three. The Frenchman's championship-leading teammate Elfyn Evans was fourth and Gregoire Munster fifth for M-Sport Ford. Katsuta and Rovanpera were sixth and seventh.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
How Greek island Lesbos stopped migrant invasion using controversial yet effective ‘pushback' deterrent hailed by locals
AS the influx of illegal migrants to Britain's shores shows no sign of abating, something very different is happening 2,000 miles away on the Greek island of Lesbos. Here, just seven miles across the Mytilini Strait from Turkey, the number of crossings has shrunk, thanks to a controversial but extremely effective deterrent. 7 7 7 At its peak ten years ago, up to 3,500 migrants a day landed on Lesbos, having made the perilous journey across the Aegean Sea in makeshift boats and cheap dinghies. But now, thanks to Greece's robust policy of 'pushbacks' — intercepting the boats and returning them to Turkish waters — that number has plummeted to just 1,700 so far this year. Aegean Boat Report, a Norwegian non-governmental organisation that monitors migrant flows in the area, says Turkey also regularly intercepts boats before they reach the Greek Islands and returns them to the mainland. Campaigners have slammed the practice, claiming it is illegal, but locals say the crackdown has saved the scenic holiday retreat from economic disaster — and most importantly, it has saved lives. Fisherman Thanassis Marmarinos recalls the horror of seeing the bodies of migrants in the sea before Greece's hardline anti- immigration government was elected in 2019. Floating corpses He said: 'It was extremely bad before, I can't imagine it being any worse. 'Every day there were thousands of migrants crossing. 'For five months I couldn't make any money because I would spend all my time trying to stop them drowning. 'People were asking for help and they were dying in the water, so I had no other option. 'I saw the corpses floating in the sea with my own eyes. 'In 2015 there was only one coastguard ship and they were overwhelmed, so I and four other fishermen did what we could to help save lives. 'The smugglers were charging about 2,000 euros per person for the 90-minute sailing to Lesbos. 'But to save money they were giving the migrants cheap, Chinese-made boats that had two sections to their engines — one full of fuel, the other full of water, so they would stop working halfway.' In 2015, triggered by war and political unrest in the Middle East and Africa, the refugee crisis had one of its deadliest years for small-boat crossings. A total of 805 people drowned as they tried to cross what is dubbed the Eastern Mediterranean corridor by Frontex, the European Union's border and coastguard agency. An incredible 800,000 landed in Greece the same year, 60 per cent of them reaching Lesbos, according to the UNHCR, the UN's refugee agency. Since then, Frontex has expanded hugely, from a small administrative office in Warsaw to the EU's biggest agency, with 10,000 armed guards backed by helicopters, drones and ships and with an annual budget of more than a billion euros. Another six billion euros has been paid to Turkey to boost border security, and unlike Britain's £500million three-year deal with France, it has led to a sharp fall in people-smuggling. 7 7 Last year 54,000 small-boat migrants reached the Greek Islands from Turkey, and as we reported last week, Frontex has recorded a further 29 per cent fall in irregular migration through its Eastern Mediterranean border in the first quarter of this year. Fewer crossings have led to a fall in fatalities of more than 75 per cent since 2015, with 191 asylum seekers reported missing or dead in the same area last year. This is despite the Greek government banning charities and individuals from helping small-boat migrants while they are at sea — another key difference from the UK, where 1,371 people crossing the Channel were rescued by the RNLI last year. On Lesbos, new arrivals are not given a hotel room, and currently around 1,100 people are being housed in containers at the Closed Control Access Centre on the north east coast, where the provisions are basic. Sometimes when refugees reach here, they catch them, put them on a boat and drop them in the middle of the ocean on a life raft. Joaquin O'Ryan This is in contrast to two years ago, when up to 5,000 people had their claims processed there, while 20,000 were held in the island's old Moria 'camp of shame' before it was destroyed by fire in 2020. Fisherman Thanassis, 72, is one of the many islanders who believe that the election of the hardline New Democracy party in 2019, when Kyriakos Mitsotakis became Greece 's Prime Minister, was a turning point. He said: 'Everything changed when New Democracy was elected and they started sending the migrants back to Turkey. 'After that it became a bad deal to pay to cross to Greece, because you would end up back where you started.' When The Sun visited this week, there was not a single sea arrival on Lesbos, despite the Aegean being perfectly calm. Key to the change has been the decision to redesignate Turkey as a 'safe third country' for asylum-seekers. But charities insist the pushbacks are illegal, and Frontex is currently investigating alleged human rights violations by the Greek coastguard. 7 7 A statement by Aegean Boat Report said: 'Systematic human rights violations at the Greek sea border have been ongoing for over five years. 'Almost 100,000 people have been illegally and violently removed from Greek territory and pushed back towards Turkey, over 1,000 people have been killed in these illegal operations.' Joaquin O'Ryan, of humanitarian group Europe Cares, which provides meals and activities for people living in the CCAC camp, said: 'These pushbacks are illegal but it's a systemic process — they are not being carried out by just one person — so they can do whatever they want, basically. 'Sometimes when refugees reach here [Lesbos], they catch them, put them on a boat and drop them in the middle of the ocean on a life raft.' The Lesbos coastguard now has around half a dozen frigates, some supplied by Frontex, and most of the islanders we spoke to support the tough action being taken by the authorities. Waiter Kristos Condeli, 60, said: 'Tourism was completely destroyed for a few years after 2015. 'The cruise ships stopped coming here because they didn't want passengers to see corpses floating in the sea. 'There were thousands of migrants coming here and some of them resorted to stealing to survive. 'It got to the point that it was no longer safe to leave your bag in your car as someone would smash the window and steal it. 'UK could learn a lot' 'With no tourists, there was very little work for waiters. 'I had to relocate to Corfu to make a living and I've only recently been able to move back. 'The number of migrants crossing is down significantly in recent years and it's all thanks to the coastguard and Frontex, who are doing a fantastic job. 'The UK could learn a lot from the things done here.' Receptionist Maria Dimitriou works at the island's Molyvos Hotel. She fears the migrant problem has been pushed further south to Crete, where 6,500 migrants from Libya in North Africa have landed in the last six months. She said: 'Before the crisis started, we had one of our best years for tourism. 'The hotels were full of visitors from Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium and the UK. 'When the migrants first started coming, the tourists said they wanted to help them. 'But the next year no one came back. 'I can only guess that they were put off by all the TV reports and they didn't want to risk seeing a dead body when they were on holiday. 'The drop in numbers almost destroyed the tourism industry in Lesbos. 'If it wasn't for weekend visitors from Turkey, this island would already be dead. 'In 2015 the refugees were everywhere. 'We felt sorry for the people from Syria, who were escaping a genuine war zone. 'After that, they were from everywhere and tell me, how can you be called a refugee when you are from Pakistan? 'The tourism industry is getting back to normal now and this hotel is close to full capacity for the next few months. 'But everyone is worried that, given what is happening in Iran and Palestine, the situation might get worse again.'
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale kiss and make up in £38k posh Glasto camp as they snog and hold hands after Greece bust-up
FORMER England striker Andy Carroll and girlfriend Lou Teasdale have kissed and made up - after cops were called during an explosive holiday bust up. The ex-Premier League footballer, 36, and makeup artist, 42, held hands and cuddled as they hung out with pals at the Park VIP backstage area at Glastonbury Festival. 4 An onlooker said: 'Andy and Lou were in their element as they soaked up the sun on Worthy Farm. 'Lou sipped on a can of Diet Coke as she and Andy laughed and chatted to pals. 'They had clearly put their fiery rows behind them as they couldn't stop holding hands and taking selfies. 'And it seemed that the pair couldn't resist a bargain as they had a look in the Oxfam charity shop.' Lou shared on Instagram that she had checked into the luxury Pop-Up Hotel at the festival - where the top package costs £38,000. The exclusive retreat boasts a pool, cocktail bar and spa. It comes after The Sun on Sunday revealed last week that Carroll was twice quizzed by police over rows with Lou during a holiday to the Greek party island of Mykonos. He was questioned about the bust-ups with Lou at a packed beachside restaurant and then at their hotel. Carroll - once the most expensive British prem star - was taken to the police station after the second incident. The dad of five began dating Lou last year after his split Towie star wife Billi Mucklow. Andy Carroll quizzed by cops twice after bust-ups with girlfriend at packed restaurant and hotel during Greek holiday Andy was reportedly planning to propose to Lou despite still being married to Billi, 36, although friends say their relationship is doomed. The millionaire striker and wife confirmed their split last September. Weeks later, he and Lou revealed their romance. They moved to France after he joined fourth-tier club Bordeaux. Earlier this month Carroll announced he was quitting the club to be closer to his children. He has three children with Billi and two from a previous relationship. 4 4 Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale's 'holiday romance' AS pals of the pair suspect they will struggle with their love back on home turf, here are some of the pair's sun-soaked getaways In October 2024, the pair were spotted kissing for the first time in a beach club in Mallorca In January 2025, they enjoyed a snowy getaway in Megève, Mont Blanc In April 2025, The pair shared a loved up kiss in a pool in France, where they re-located when Andy signed for French side Bordeaux In April 2025, they put on a loved-up display on holiday in Magaluf The Sun's exclusive pictures in May 2025 saw the pair walking hand-in-hand in Ibiza In June 2025, they jetted on holiday to Greece - yet the trip was marred when Andy was quizzed twice by Police
The Independent
12 hours ago
- The Independent
10 places you can book now with Tui's late deals - starting from just £200
Not much beats have a holiday to look forward to, but if you don't have one in the calendar just yet, you may be able to score a good deal by booking last minute. Usually you'll get the best savings if you book around five to six months in advance. However if you're feeling spontaneous, not fixed on a destination and can be flexible with dates, there are savings to be had. We've rounded up the best Tui last minute and late deals for you to explore, and they all jet off in the next few weeks. From three-night weekends away to seven nights of fun in the sun, there's something for everyone, whether you prefer all-inclusive, half board or self catering. With destinations like the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Greece and Portugal, each holiday includes Tui flights and a range of hotels, from adults-only to family-friendly options. 1. Canary Islands You really are spoiled for choice when it comes to the best Canary Islands holidays, with each one offering something a bit different. With balmy temperatures even in the winter, it's no surprise that us Brits flock to the islands all year round. The only decision you have to make is which one of the eight islands to visit first. With prices starting at around £200 per person for four nights in Gran Canaria, you won't need to break the bank to soak up the sun and jet off for a long weekend. Or why not spend a little more to stay at a suite at HL Rio Playa Blanca. It may only be for three nights, but it's currently down from £965 per person to £298, saving more than £1,300 per couple, and it's all-inclusive. 2. Cape Verde The island of Cape Verde is a great choice for a last minute getaway, especially if you'd like to explore beyond your hotel or resort, with plenty of beautiful beaches, volcanic landscapes and a mixture of West African and Portuguese influences. You'll find deals from as little as £445 per person when booking last minute, with us spotting standout savings of £500 off at the Tui all-inclusive Platinum Melia Lana, as well as a massive £565 off the Hotel Morabeza. With 18 Tui holidays discounted at the time of writing, no matter which one you pick, expect an average daily high of around 27C throughout the month of July. 3. Greece One of our personal favourite summer holiday destinations, Greece and the surrounding Greek islands benefit from warm weather, crystal clear waters and so many incredible sights. Whether you plan to spend your time by the pool or want to take a step back in time by visiting its many archaeological ruins, you can certainly switch it up during your stay. You might even spot one of the Tui cruises on your wanders. Crete is a great destination for families for all ages and we've spotted a deal on the island for the Tui blue Elounda Breeze, with kids clubs and evening entertainment to keep everyone happy, down from £1,071 per person to £444. We have a feeling deals like this won't stick around for long, so check them out sooner rather than later to avoid missing out. There are also adult-only hotels if you'd prefer a quieter and more relaxed stay. 4. Spain From Mallorca and Menorca to Costa Brava and Ibiza, Spain remains a go-to destination for British holidaymakers, and for good reason. Check off historical landmarks, head to any one of country's stunning beaches and don't forget to indulge in some traditional tapas while you're there. Currently, one of the cheapest deals is three nights at the Globales Torrenova in Mallorca, with more than 60 per cent off. There are also big savings to be had at Tui magic life Cala Pada in Ibiza, which features an all-inclusive stay at a one bedroom apartment for £323 when booking last minute, compared to its usual price of £978. 5. Portugal Fancy sunning yourself in the Algarve or Madeira next month? Well, look no further. From more than 50 per cent off four nights – all-inclusive, we might add – at the Pestana Blue Alvor Beach hotel, to plenty of options at around £280 for three nights on a self catering basis, there are Portugal deals for every budget. You can choose to stay closer to city centres, if you like to pound the pavements and see the sights, or opt to be nearer to the beach to completely switch off for a few days. Both sound pretty dreamy to us. 6. Turkey If Turkey has been high on your travel wishlist, there are lots of savings to be had right now. Again, prices can vary depending on the number of nights and where you're flying from, but we were delighted to discover that most are all-inclusive, saving you from having to worry about where to head out to eat or grab drinks during your stay. Prices start at around £170 per person for three nights self catering in Marmaris or £278 for three nights all inclusive. Whether it's your first time or you've not visited in a while, we've also put together a Turkey travel guide to help you plan your visit. 7. Cyprus Whether you're after a laid back coastal getaway in Paphos or want to experience the history and culture of Limassol, Cyprus offers you the best of both worlds. There's lots of choice when it comes to your boarding options with Tui. From self catering all the way through to the most decadent of all-inclusives, expect beachfront hotels, with a few even having swim-up rooms, as well as temperatures of around 33C in July. We found quite a few Cyprus deals under the £400 mark, with many being better than half price if you book one of the Tui late deals. 8. Florida If you've ever priced up a holiday to Florida, you'll know that the costs can quickly spiral out of control, which is why it could be worth checking for last minute deals to find some savings. Whether you're planning a big family holiday or you and your partner are some serious thrill-seekers, we've found a whole host of brilliant deals in Orlando. You'll pay as little as £715 per person – down from £1,679 – to stay on the bustling International Drive, with savings on villas, self-catering apartments, resorts and at Disney and Universal Studios. Some hotels even come with their very own water parks, perfect for cooling off from the Floridian heat and spending a day away from the parks. 9. Mexico From ancient ruins, to vibrant nightlife and gorgeous white sand beaches, you can cram a whole lot into a trip to Mexico. But if you're not sure where to stay, especially if this is your first visit, we've put together a helpful guide on the best Mexico holidays, with all our top tips. When we had a look at Tui's late deals, we saw seven-night holidays starting from £700, instead of upwards of £1,500. Or if you want to splurge on a special getaway, the adults only Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma is better than half price at £1,060 per person. Quite a few of the hotels even have an additional £100 off when you log into your myTui account, taking the price down even further. 10. France The stunning French Riviera is a must for visiting in the summer. From strolling along the Promenade des Anglais to paying a visit to the Matisse Museum, which celebrates the life and work of French artist Henri Matisse, it's sure to be a laid-back kind of holiday. And you should be able to save around £30 per person on a three-night stay simply by booking it last minute with Tui.
Al Arabiya
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
5 Greek Government Officials Resign Over EU Farming Subsidy Fraud Allegations
Five high-ranking Greek government officials, including a minister and three deputy ministers, resigned Friday following allegations of involvement in corruption over the mismanagement of European Union farming subsidies. The case stems from the alleged mismanagement of EU subsidies for agriculture between 2019 and 2022 by a government agency known by its Greek acronym OPEKEPE, tasked with handling the funds. According to the European Public Prosecutor's Office, a significant number of individuals received subsidies through the agency based on false declarations, including claims of owning or leasing pastures that were in fact public land. The suspects continued submitting false declarations of livestock until 2024, maintaining subsidy payment entitlement, it added. The prosecutor's office sent a hefty case file to Greece's parliament earlier this week, including allegations of the possible involvement of government ministers in an organized fraud scheme. Members of parliament enjoy immunity from prosecution in Greece that can only be lifted by parliamentary vote. In a resignation letter to the prime minister Friday, Migration and Asylum Minister Makis Voridis maintained his innocence, saying he was stepping down in order to concentrate on clearing his name. Voridis served as agriculture minister from mid-2019 to early 2021. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis accepted his resignation as well as those of the deputy ministers of foreign affairs, agriculture and food, and digital governance and of the general secretary of agriculture and food. Replacements for all five will be named in the coming days, government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said in a statement. The European Commission announced earlier this month it would reduce the amount of farm subsidies for Greece by five percent, for a total of 392 million euros.
