Greek Elections 2009 - Thoughts and more …

October 5th today and Greek elections are now history.

 

By IrenePanagopoulou      

I have had the luck for the first time in 15 years to experience elections in Greece, the birthplace of democracy. One thing is for sure: although politics is the source of many problems in Greece, Greek people love to discuss and to argue. Many TV shows were entirely programmed and aired political discussions, arguments and topics related to the upcoming elections. I must without a doubt admit, as someone interested more than the average young person in politics I didn't mind, however it must have been frustrating and tiring for many others who are not interested and were not given another choice. I don't agree with the apathy that characterizes the much younger generations, and this is something that we all have to pay attention to.

I believe in the power of "we" and I know that the people have the power to change things as long as they act organized and with a plan, insist and persist with a clear vision of where we want to go and how as a country, with a plan which will bring the desired results, results that will be good for the common good, and is above all political and personal gain. I believe that "we" have the power as well as "we" are the ones to blame when things do not work out. In many discussions I heard people asking and wondering about personal gains when choosing a political party to support, the truth is that if we all understand that by helping to organize a more structured and just society for all, ( it won' t be easy rather painful but needed ) things slowly but surely will change for all.

What is essential to be understood is that we cannot possibly vote for someone because s/he will help us personally. I can be labelled as very romantic and idealist as many will say , unfortunately our times lack people with such elements and we need to make sure we, even if not many we keep trying and fighting for values that tend to disappear. For years we hear about people who have positions in key governmental institutions who do not have the criteria or education needed, if we vote more consciously about who we want in power (not based in personal gains) but in their capability and dynamic character to bring changes then that mentality will change , and "we" will have taught the politicians that we want them to chose the right people . People should not get or lose jobs because of their political color- red, green or blue...but should be placed because they know how to do the job right regardless their political beliefs. In consequence, by acting as responsible citizens with a willingness to have a society based on people's value, it is certain that the message sent will be clear. We, citizens cannot on one side vote for people from which we demand personal gains such as the one above mentioned for placement permanently in a public service sector, without the appropriate education, criteria needed etc and at the same time being the ones we judge our politicians for irresponsibly placing the non-fit personnel in governmental positions when our party in favor is not in power it is ironic isn't it? Making this approach, I think it becomes clear who is the one to blame for the situation as is in Greek politics for many decades now and who has the power. Our society can only truly change if we, the citizens change the way we think. I believe "we" people have the power to make the changes we want but I also know that we do not use our very powerful tool right.

If we wanted to directly sent a message to our politicians we could have done it, "we" have the power. All we had to do is vote and give power to young blood, to all those young people who run for office regardless of the political party they belong. I would not care if New Democracy or Pasok is in power, as long as the people we sent to the parliament were all those young very valuable politicians who ran for office all across the country, I would be very happy if none of the older generation people were part and present in the parliament. Those young politicians-victims to my opinion since both big parties chose them strategically to be placed in every area in order to bring in the votes and not truly supporting them to ensure their entry in the parliament are way more capable and have the knowledge to bring a change. I would prefer a mistake done by one of those younger generation politicians because their mistakes would not be done on purpose. Imagine a Greek parliament with 300 young politicians and those few older ones whose actions, not only words, prove a positive even small change .... I am certain that would sent a clear message to those who govern us that we are all tired of all their political games and that we have the power and we want new blood to go in the Parliament but that needs courage and faith from every Greek citizen who has the right to vote. An utopia many would say... for me a reality that could happen if it was communicated and co-ordinated correctly.

This is a topic we can go on forever for today let's stay to the current situation and the very fresh news... Pasok will form the new government and Mr. George Papandreou will have the opportunity to act. As a Politician who is given the opportunity to govern for the first time in Greek politics we need to at least be fair, wish him the best, hope for change and see what will happen next. I am sure he has the best intentions and carries a big responsibility in his shoulders because the Greek people gave him yesterday the power to form government. If times were different I would say, we have the luxury to wait and see how things will unfold. Unfortunately, times are difficult locally as well as internationally and I would personally think that a different approach should be followed. As a young person, who loves my country and I see the potential I truly wish Mr Papandreou and Mr Karamanlis put aside what truly separates them and focus on what they agree and act for the common good. They should work together for the next few years to put the basis for re-structuring and re-organizing the state. That would a brave act and would be their chance to prove to Greek people that they truly care for them and the country. It frustrates me to hear always absolute statements, it cannot be that everything one party did was wrong and now the next one will come to change those things (regardless the party in power) we cannot move forward as a people like this. Instead we go backwards. Both big parties have as presidents younger than usual in international politics men - one very positive change for our country in recent years- with the education, the experience, the knowledge, the travels (but not always followed by the right people) that they can offer a much better Greece to its citizens and to the international scene.

For now the Greek people have chosen a new government with a President who has never been in power before, someone that Greek people have given full authority, believe and expect much from him and the new team. We wish the new government and all other parties to be fully and consciously present, to listen to the people , to use the power "we" gave them accordingly and to all work hard because Greece needs them all.

On a lighter note, I am among the lucky ones who had access to BBC and was able to be informed what happens to the rest of the world because for Greek TV stations absolutely nothing else existed outside the current elections…