Defense against populism

The sense of discipline and hierarchy in Greece?s armed forces and security services has been awash in the ocean of populism that emerged in the years that followed the collapse of the military dictatorship in 1974.

That?s how we reached the unbelievable situation where the National Intelligence Service (EYP) is blighted by unionism and the Defense Ministry is unable to stop people from entering the building at will.

It is crucial that Greece?s military and security services maintain a hard core of discipline, hierarchy and professionalism.

Establishing a dialogue between a soldier or military officer and the political administration of the country?s Defense Ministry cannot be justified.

This practice may be applicable in extreme circumstances in other countries, but in Greece — a country where hyperbole and populism are the norm — it would threaten to undo any remaining respect for order and hierarchy within a very crucial section of the Greek state.