Nasty old habits
Greek government ministers routinely promise all sorts of handouts in a bid to enhance their appeal among voters. This is, after all, more or less the story of how the country was led to bankruptcy.
Political officials remain stubbornly attached to nasty old habits, notwithstanding Greece’s obligations under the bailout agreements with foreign lenders and outside supervision in several sectors. It is only fair to ask about the cost of handouts and appointments of political cronies.
Sadly, fiscal mismanagement and political wickedness appear to have become part of Greece’s political DNA. We must get our act together, or we risk entering a fresh vicious cycle.