Editorial: Reforming the state

The governmental organisational chart presented by incoming Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is by all accounts innovative and is the first reform at the highest administrative level of the country.

Essentially it is the first attempt to apply principles and rules of corporate governance that have existed for decades in the private sector to the government and the state.

That aim was promoted by the selection of numerous extra-parliamentary cadres who have experience and have been tried and tested in the extremely competitive private sector.

The government will incorporate elements of corporate governance to become more effective and productive.
The aim is to gradually transcend governmental delays and political complications that bind the country, immobilise the bureaucracy, and allow all manner of vested interests and interests groups to intervene in a problematic manner.

The aim is to create in Greece what in advanced countries is a well-staffed and organised state that knows what it wants and how to achieve it.

The government's organisational plan is not rare as it is implemented in most eurozone states and is a compass for all organised and institutionally mature democracies worldwide.

The prime minister was well-prepared when he took office. The structure of the government was studied, individuals were carefully selected, and the overall plan was well thought out.

The PM has set up a plan of production, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of the government's work based on specific, pre-selected, and quantifiable targets that will be met by ministers.

One received a first glimpse of bi-annual targets and priorities from the "blue envelopes" that ministers received at the fist cabinet meeting.