Lack of moderation
The forced resignation of Greece’s Deputy Public Order Minister Christos Markoyiannakis was a justified move. Bickering inside the ruling conservative party and demagoguery from opposition PASOK party officials keen to portray themselves as guardians of Greece’s judicial system were not the only issues raised by the removal of New Democracy’s deputy minister. In fact, the latest fiasco was yet another manifestation of the awkward know-it-all attitude and lack of moderation displayed by former deputy national economy and finance minister Adam Regouzas, who was dismissed after reports he had ties to a businessman engaged in illegal activity. The aforementioned defects are signs of underlying arrogance and grave incompetence. It is striking that in the almost two years since New Democracy rode to power some conservative ministers and deputies have yet to realize that party gatherings open to the media, public bashes and conferences that attract dozens of guests are by no means the same as a group of friends involved in a private chat. Possessing the technical skills to run a ministry is both a desirable and necessary qualification. But it does not make one qualified to head a ministry and take part in the country’s governance. Politicians and ministers must know the limits of their words and deeds. Ignorance or violation of this fundamental rule not only reveals the incompetence of the person in question. It does not just damage the image of his party. Most importantly, it mars the image of the political system in the eyes of the public. There is no need to fathom the causes of a political crisis when we see ministers who openly express extremely controversial views in a frivolous manner and subsequently try to cover up for their mistakes with ludicrous denials.
