Looking for the worthy, the capable and the efficient

In the election campaigns of 2019 and 2023, the governing conservatives successfully touted a narrative of ability, competence and efficiency. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis assured the public that he was determined to proceed with deep changes and bold reforms that would modernize Greece. The electorate responded to this message twice by granting New Democracy two victories with a triumphant – for today’s standards – 40%.

More than four years have passed since the party assumed power and the grim reality makes even the most well-intentioned observer conclude that the state is unable to effectively deal with a wide range of issues, let alone major crises.

No one disputes or downplays the effects of the climate crisis. It is obvious that Greece, like the rest of the world, is facing unprecedented disasters, largely the result of natural phenomena. A new normal is now becoming part of our lives and this is understood even by some skeptics in important countries with a disproportionately large contribution to the worsening of said crisis.

However, this painful reality is not related to another reality, the organizational dysfunction and operational incompetence seen in Greece’s various state bodies and public services that repeatedly fail to plan in time or implement preventive actions and respond immediately and effectively when disasters have already hit.

Blizzards, wildfires and floods are obviously not linked to any specific party. The question however is whether there is long-term planning, but also short-term measures, supported by appropriate and targeted funding, and, when natural disasters strike, if the right actions are taken with the necessary coordination. 

It is clear that changes need to be made in the state’s various agencies and bodies. Mitsotakis can and should work to create a more effective plan. This presupposes, firstly, the selection of the most competent persons, and, secondly, better cooperation between ministries, agencies and services.

Reality is pressing and time is running out. Further delays in projects aimed at preventing or responding promptly to wildfires or floods cannot be tolerated. The same applies to the upgrading of Greece’s railway network, to recall the other recent disaster at Tempe.

When you’re at war, you want the most skilled marksman to cover your back. Everything else is secondary.

He could also turn the private sector for able and competent people.

As we are now in our fifth year of governance by New Democracy, the government cannot put the blame on someone else for the gaps, malfunctions and ultimately failures we are witnessing. The yardstick by which the government will be assessed is itself and its own effectiveness.