[Giorgos Zachos/InTime News]
The large turnout at the rallies to mark two years since the Tempe rail disaster is correctly interpreted as a reaction to the general inadequacy of the state. Citizens are constantly suffering in a thousand ways in their daily lives, and, when an event overwhelms them, they explode. After six years in power, the Greek prime minister admitted a few days ago that his government has failed to control the “deep state.” He is now pinning his hopes on the revision of the country’s Constitution.
Indeed, if the Constitution is not revised – not only Article 86 (which provides parliamentary immunity to lawmakers and ministers) but also several others – there is no hope of improving governance. This is not because the revision will automatically correct the situation, but because the revision, if it ends up in the right direction, will create the conditions for radical improvements in the country, should a government choose to do so.
In order for articles of the Constitution to be sent for revision to the next parliament, they must garner 180 votes in the current chamber. Ruling New Democracy does not have those votes, and, therefore, provided there are no leaks within the party, it needs about 30 opposition MPs to vote in favor. The ideal would be for center-left PASOK and New Democracy to agree now to avoid using the revision for parliamentary “cockfights,” but who believes in miracles? And yet, such a move would benefit both parties because it would outwardly show seriousness and maturity, in a world that distrusts traditional politicians and is turning to extremes.
Watching the recent public debates, it is striking that on many points the views of the two main parties converge and the fight becomes about “who said it first.” These are childish reactions for serious issues such as the Constitution, and on this point New Democracy has a greater responsibility. It should let PASOK share the glory in order to do what it needs to be done. It should not want it all for itself.
The revision of the Constitution is on New Democracy’s campaign manifesto and is the most important political action that the government has before it until the next elections in 2027. To succeed, the government must work methodically by informing and cultivating public opinion.
For the time being, it does not seem to be particularly concerned with the issue, and time is running out.