Greek ombudsman reports spike in complaints relating to state services
Greeks appear to be increasingly exasperated by the country’s public administration, particularly social insurance firms and government services, according to the Ombudsman’s office, which said complaints increased 10 percent last year, to 1,702.
In its annual report, the watchdog reported a rise in complaints about delayed pension and benefit payments, a direct consequence of the economic crisis, but also highlighted a spike in protests about violence in schools, racist attacks and instances of bigotry and social exclusion.
For the second year in a row, complaints about mismanagement at the municipal level, particularly alleged offenses by mayors, were rife.
The Ombudsman, Calliope Spanou, called for more inspections and disciplinary action when necessary.
“The Ombudsman’s office has been stressing for years that processes are lagging and reasons are always found to avoid prosecuting offenders,” she said.
