There are times when a leader needs to ignore public opinion polls, his fears of the political cost that a certain decision or stance may entail and his feelings, even when it comes to close associates.

These are the moments when a leader needs to consider his legacy and the interest of the country, and to put these values above his court, above those looking merely to protect their own spheres of influence and ambitions.

Greek voters, and especially those who traditionally cast their ballots in favor of the center-right, expect decisions and new strategies from the prime minister that show that he has understood something of the message they were trying to send in the European parliamentary elections. This bloc of voters is obviously not interested in shifting its loyalties to the center-left, possibly because they feel it has been unconvincing in showing itself capable of governing the country. On the other hand, however, they can also see the consequences of a long period of inertia on crucial areas such as terrorism, and can only wonder why Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has been so hesitant to take the necessary, long-overdue steps.