Forget the party tag
Old habits die hard, as demonstrated by the fact that Greece’s political parties are still making the mistake of picking partisan figures as candidates for municipal and regional elections.
With elections set to take place in late May, officials seem oblivious to the fact that what the nation’s voters are really looking for is skilled individuals with the proper qualifications to deal with the problems dogging the places they live in. A recognizable party figure means little to them.
However, party apparatuses across the country’s right-left spectrum have traditionally been allergic to local election candidates who do not bear the party tag.
Political leaders should find the courage to select the best people out there for the job, instead of promoting their own boys. The need for nonpartisan mayors and regional governors is even greater under today’s crisis.