Simitis's Unsuccessful Struggle for Economic and Governmental Modernisation: A Case of Irresolution or Impotence?
Loading...
Date
2007
Authors
Close, David Henry
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Languages - Modern Greek
Rights
Rights Holder
Abstract
Modernisation, meaning the attainment of best governmental practice in the European Union, was the mission of Kostas Simitis while prime minister in 1996–2004. In the goals which mattered most to himself and to voters — improving governmental efficiency so as to promote economic development and citizens’ welfare — his
record was disappointing. Various international measures of Greece’s governmental and economic efficiency, and assessments of citizens’ satisfaction and government finances, indicate regression rather than progress. The basic cause of failure is argued to be the prevalence of traditional clientelist attitudes, which made the state very influential over society and the economy, while condemning it to inefficiency. Government
influence over the economy and labour force burdened them with restrictive practices. Yet few if any members of the major political parties accepted the full implications of modernisation. While meriting some blame, Simitis failed mainly because of factors beyond his control.
Description
Keywords
Greek Research
Citation
Close, David 2007. Simitis's Unsuccessful Struggle for Economic and Governmental Modernisation: A Case of Irresolution or Impotence? In E. Close, M. Tsianikas and G. Couvalis (eds.) "Greek Research in Australia: Proceedings of the Sixth Biennial International Conference of Greek Studies, Flinders University June 2005", Flinders University Department of Languages - Modern Greek: Adelaide, 323-332.