Changing attitudes

No one doubts the ability of Greece’s law enforcement authorities to do their jobs, but the fact that they are having to work within the context of a political environment is a serious problem. 

When everyone from the minister to the commanding officer is afraid of the reactions that may come from within the ranks of the ruling party and its youth wing to any given operation, it is only natural that they should become hesitant.

When a minister orders police not to make a move against attackers who barged uninvited into his office, it is only natural that a culture of tolerance to violence becomes prevalent. 

The good thing is that under pressure from the opposition and society, the government has started to let the police do its job – and the results have been immediate.

Time will tell whether this will be enough to restore the sense of order lost in the past two-plus years of lawlessness.