Show of unanimity
According to the views expressed during yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, the economic scenario and the accuracy of government forecasts are ideal. So was the session itself as, despite conflicting opinions about economic policy inside the Socialist party, there were hardly any misgivings about the data and the forecasts presented by the finance minister. The only criticism was that although things are on the right track, the word is not being spread well enough. The Cabinet discussed one of the most crucial national issues, yet the only reservations that were expressed concerned the government’s communication policy. There is an obvious political explanation for this, at least if one focuses on the pressures to which PASOK has recently been subjected by the unfavorable opinion polls and by the overall image of stagnation and in-party skirmishing. In this light, it was no surprise that the government attempted to turn yesterday’s Cabinet session into a display of unanimity and self-praise. Such emphasis on pretexts is legitimate in the sense that what is said in Cabinet meetings gets subsequently printed by the press. But in effect, even a top governmental body is more concerned with creating a good impression than with generating a productive debate. Unfortunately, even though these views are justified within the context of communication tactics, giving the impression of unanimity is not necessarily the best way to tackle the country’s outstanding problems. True, the government record contains some successful economic decisions, but the government still failed to predict the recessionary pressures during the preceding months that intensified in the wake of September 11. In effect, the current economic picture does not reflect dynamism but stagnation – and this has already had an impact on fiscal planning. Public revenues have not matched the forecasts, while the premature pre-election climate has added spending pressures. At a time when urgent economic measures are needed, it is unacceptable that the Cabinet tries to convey an impression of unanimity and harmony. Its members must examine the issues in depth and criticize when necessary. The fact that part of what is said remains secret and also that discretion has not been secured does not mean that Cabinet sessions should become displays of unanimity for the sake of mere applause.
