The government’s most unfortunate handling of the Vatopedi affair is reaching its lowest point today, with the majority party’s unprecedented abstention from the parliamentary vote for a preliminary judicial investigation.

Even if one were to accept the government’s legal arguments, we are left with the image of a ruling party that is afraid of itself. Because in politics, for good or ill, battles are won by those who wage them, not by those who avoid them.

From the Thessaloniki International Fair in early September onward, the government’s handling of the issue has shown lack of conviction, fear, too many decision-taking centers and a lack of coordination.

Instead of reforms, we have been witness to legalistic acrobatics; instead of transparency, there is the endless debate over the role of parliamentary committees in investigating the affair.

The lack of leadership and the lack of coordination cannot be allowed to continue much longer. Citizens expect better and they are justified in their concern – no matter which party they support.