Abject ineptitude

This country’s abject ineptitude when it comes to dealing effectively with such fundamental issues as waste management is quite impressive. And the blame does not lie solely with successive governments or the state, but also municipalities, regional authorities and local communities.

Only in Greece can important projects like organized landfills and sewage treatment plants be delayed for years because of the ludicrous reactions of a small minority that drag down the entire community.

In the last 20 years at least, we have had ample opportunities to solve so many problems by making use of European Community funding. Yet the incompetence of local lords and the endless debates about what should be done and where have led to the current dead end and millions of euros in embarrassing and ill-afforded fines from the European Union.

Decisions need to be made now, even by mayors and regional governors who are frightened of showing any sign of determination and prefer to spout hot air rather than leave something to show for themselves.