OPINION

Optimism or wishful thinking?

It would be nice to share the optimism (or was it wishful thinking?) expressed by outgoing president Costis Stephanopoulos that the current crisis of corruption allegations and revelations in various sectors of public life will eventually culminate in «catharsis.» But if there is optimism, it has a decidedly cautious hue. After all, it is not the first time we have been subjected to solemn proclamations heralding crackdowns on corruption following similar revelations in the media, only to see the implementation of some measures or other before we return to public life as we know it. And this applies to all situations – from simple inspections on the seaworthiness of Port Authority vessels and crew competence following a fatal disaster at sea to far more complex investigations into alleged corruption in politics and business. The media focus is intense for a few days, theoretically shedding light upon all aspects of alleged corruption or dysfunctionalism of state organizations; television debates abound with panels of public figures accusing, revealing, analyzing and discussing. Meanwhile, government officials pledge to purge the system and implement various measures in order to pacify public opinion, a few people caught in the crossfire usually lose their jobs, and then things return to normal…

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