With clear targets and firm resolve
The Public Issue opinion poll that was released last week speaks volumes about the disappointment, if not indignation, of voters over the political state of affairs in the country. Despite the growing problems and the government’s faltering ratings, conservative Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis continues to enjoy the confidence of the majority of voters. There are two things that the voting public expect of their prime minister: First of all, Karamanlis is expected to show courage and determination and not to back down on the fundamental principles that his administration set out in 2004. In other words, the New Democracy leader must by no means lower the bar on the public behavior of the cadres that serve in his government. Secondly, people expect to see a more productive administration, an administration that remains loyal to the promised reforms. With clear targets and free from the problems that weight him down (before they take too heavy a toll), the prime minister can push forward with his much-needed reform program despite his marginal parliamentary majority.
