OPINION

Good idea but put to bad use

The institution of so-called «national deputies,» meaning deputies elected from predetermined lists in proportion to the popular vote the parties receive nationwide, was introduced in 1975 with the aim of rewarding and at the same time utilizing the knowledge and services of distinguished Greeks who have made their mark in various domains. In other words, the institution gave political party leaders the opportunity to recruit distinguished figures who did not necessarily belong to the political sphere, without having to put them through a demanding election process. However, parties have in past years done great harm to this institution by using it as a means of rewarding or decorating, as it were, political veterans. The country needs the services of accomplished professionals from outside the political domain. It needs experts who can put their valuable experience at the service of the country and the common good. Political leaders of all parties should take this into serious consideration before announcing their candidates for the forthcoming general election.

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