Stumbling block

The SYRIZA-led government has taken the wrong path. It is using party officials to control the state apparatus, public utilities and independent watchdogs. An establishment mentality of this kind will take the country decades back.

Whether Greece is under its lenders’ supervision or not, there is an absolute need to sever ties between the state and political parties. Claiming that “we are only doing what our predecessors were doing” will not do. True as this may be, it is part of why these predecessors were punished by voters – especially the younger generations.

We must turn the page and move forward. It is embarrassing that our lenders have to demand that we purge public administration and monitoring mechanisms of party interference.

The prime minister must change course and realize that taking over the state may work to please his political cronies but it is a cause for anger among thousands of jobless youth who never thought of knocking on party doors to find work.

After all, a state manned by party acolytes will never be a fair and effective mechanism but a stumbling block.