Signs of fatigue in the government
The government is showing signs of fatigue just a few weeks after its re-election. It would be a real shame – for the government itself and for the country – if it were to lose the major opportunity it has been given to push through significant reforms in the sectors of education, the economy, ailing state carrier Olympic Airlines and the social security system. Unfortunately, the first few weeks of the new government’s term have been marked by hasty moves and blunders, chiefly by the economic leadership. Meanwhile, there has been friction between certain ministers and in-party gripes for a variety of reasons. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis took the first step by shaping a new, improved government with a six-month plan. However, he must press his ministers to deliver speedy solutions by working as a team. If the government continues to trip itself up it will shorten even further the already brief grace period it has been granted. The effective absence of a main opposition party may be convenient in the short-term but ultimately it is probably not a good thing. After all, a government that does not feel the pressure of a serious challenger and does not make serious efforts during its first 100 days in power will start fading pretty quickly.
