Successive revelations and accusations of corruption against political and state officials, and the resignations of political appointees are weakening citizens’ already weak faith in institutions, strengthening the current of anger that drives people away from political participation or toward supporting “anti-systemic” forces.
Although citizens believe that the high cost of living is the country’s greatest problem, corruption is second, ahead of other major issues such as salaries and labor conditions, health, migration, crime, and so on. But even though the government is blamed for what is being revealed, it leads in opinion polls. This suggests that the issue of corruption is not black and white; it is greatly nuanced.
The government benefits (if we may abuse the word) from citizens’ deep-seated belief that “they are all the same.” This will not persuade any angry voters to back New Democracy, but it does explain why the ruling party does not lose more support. Then, there is a sense that things are being uncovered at last, whereas in the past this was very rare.
This may be attributed to the mobilization of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and other institutions, but we must not underestimate the capabilities and motivation of Greek agencies. Furthermore, however cynical this seems, many citizens don’t care too much, because what they do care about is that they are able to get what they want out of this system.
