Service without trepidation
No state, and especially not the Greek state, can function with politicians alone. Beyond that, it needs technocrats. It needs people who are highly experienced in specialized fields, and who know how to manage major issues. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis acknowledged this need and he invited the services of party members who had a reputation for doing well in their respective fields, placing them in key positions such as in OTE telecom, the Public Power Corporation and the Ministry of Public Order. Unfortunately though, and even though these men did a good job in their posts, they did not enjoy the protection of the entire government. On the contrary, they were subject to criticism from party cadres and frequently blamed for things that were not their responsibility. Laying the blame on the wrong shoulders is not only unfair but also sends the wrong message to other serious-minded professionals who are not necessarily politicians and who wish to offer their services to their country. Greece needs people who are willing to give without caring about the political consequences or for the number of votes their decisions represent.
