INTERVIEW WITH INTERIOR MINISTER MR. MAKI VORIDI
TO ANTONIS KIRIKOS
The pandemic, the development programmes to support local government, the electoral law for local authorities and the exploratory talks with Turkey. The Minister of Interior, Mr. Makis Voridis on grtraveller
What do you think of the government’s handling of the pandemic? Is there anything that could have been done earlier?
Satisfactory in comparison with the reaction shown by other countries with stronger health systems. Let me remind you that our country was a global example of pandemic management and did not leave a single person without health care where it was needed. At the same time, we have financially strengthened every sector that was affected by the restrictive measures. Of course, in a global pandemic regime, one cannot triumph over the above, but it is clear that we have succeeded in making Greece a safe country in the minds of all humanity. Each of our decisions has been and is taken on the basis of the epidemiological data that is being developed on a daily basis. Therefore, it is, I think, reasonably understood that any discussion of the time in which the necessary measures were decided each time in a pandemic situation with the data constantly changing, becomes invalid.
‘ …extend the term of office of Mayors and Regional Mayors to five years, giving them time to implement all that they were elected to do.’
Is the vaccination certificate the “passport” for the restart of economic activity in our country?
It is certainly a strong card in order to achieve the opening of the market and especially of our heavy industry, tourism, with maximum security. It is a proposal by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis which from the outset found strong resonance in many members of the European Union and we have seen that only recently it has been adopted by the European Commission to facilitate travel, despite the agonizing efforts of SYRIZA to discredit it.
What is the objective of the reform of the electoral law in the local authorities?
The aim of the reform is to restore local government to governability, after the implementation of the disastrous system of simple proportional representation imposed by SYRIZA because of its ideology, in order to caress the ears of the party. We enable the winning combination that will collect 43% to take over the governance of the Municipality or the Region from the first Sunday, which will also occupy 3/5 of the seats of the council in order to be able to implement its programme. At the same time, we are introducing a 3% entry threshold for the election of a municipal or regional councillor and extending the term of office of Mayors and Regional Mayors to five years, giving them time to implement everything they were elected to do.
‘ …we have legislated for a modern and transparent recruitment system,
of the new ASEP ‘
More powers and resources for local government. A long-standing request from Regional Governors and Mayors.
What are the new support tools?
We have created two very important development programmes totalling €3.5 billion, Antonis Tritsis and Philodemos II, through which we are strengthening local government. These programmes include small and large-scale projects that will enable Mayors and Regional Governors to implement their programme for local communities in the direction of the overall transformation of their regions.
What is your plan for the reform of the Greek public sector?
We are working methodically to improve the services provided by the Greek public sector through the modernisation of its operation and the establishment of a meritocracy regime, with the aim of eliminating the egalitarianism and the devaluation that prevailed in it until recently. This is the direction of the bill we have put out for public consultation on the reform of the Internal Audit system, which aims to create safeguards that will shield its proper functioning while protecting civil servants. In addition, we have legislated for a modern and transparent recruitment system, the new ASEP. With this recruitment system, after we first gather the staffing needs of the Public Administration, we will then come up with a nationwide competition and select, among the successful candidates, the right person in the right position, with the aim of radically upgrading the operation and image of public services throughout the country. Our ultimate goal is to transform the public sector into a modern and healthy business that operates in an attractive environment free from the distortions and rigidities of the past.
How do you respond to the description “Minister of Elections”?
A misleading characterisation. I have explained repeatedly that a change of persons in the political leadership of a Ministry does not imply a change of policy. I think we have exhausted this particular debate since the Prime Minister himself made it clear that the present Government will complete its constitutional term.
‘ …any position of responsibility can be turned into an “electric chair” when the person who assumes it does not see it as a challenge ‘
Athens will host the next round of exploratory talks with Turkey. Do you agree with this framework for dialogue?
Greece has been and continues to be open to dialogue, but only on issues related to the resolution of specific issues. In this regard, any differences are in the delineation of maritime zones and that is all we have to discuss with Turkey. Moreover, we have made it clear in every direction that Greece is a country faithful to the application of international law, but capable of defending its sovereign rights by every means in case some attempt to challenge them.
It is “electric chair” or a challenge to a politician in the Home Office?
Any position of responsibility that the Prime Minister entrusts to a politician is a challenge. Each Ministry has its own important issues to resolve within their portfolio and therefore I do not think that I should separate the Ministry of Interior from the other important Ministries for some reason. I also believe that any position of responsibility can turn into an “electric chair” when the person who takes it on does not see it as a challenge.
What do you like to do in your free time?
With my family.
Your two favorite destinations in Greece and abroad?
Mani and Paris.
