country.

Do we have a political problem in this country? It seems that we do, even though the government enjoys a comfortable parliamentary majority and its relationship with the largest segment of the electorate has not been tainted.

So what is the cause of the political problem? It has most certainly not cropped up suddenly; it has its roots in the past and these roots are deeper than we may think.

The problem is, and always has been, the consequence of the inability of political cadres and leaders to rise to the occasion and meet the challenges of the times – complex conditions imposed by the realities of globalization and European unification.

Our political elite and leaders are clearly unable to ensure the country’s progress and the consolidation of its status as a developed European state. And this is a fundamental weakness that cannot be remedied easily or quickly.

This weakness not only affects the government but Greek political life as a whole. It is probably wishful thinking to expect any bold initiatives from Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

It is however reasonable to expect the government to try and restore the health of political life, and make it capable of responding to the demands and ambitions of this