Pandemic takes toll on public services

The relationship between citizens and the public sector is growing increasingly tenuous as the changes in the working hours of many civil servants who now work remotely where possible, with extended leave for others, have come at the expense of the service provided.

This has been the experience especially of those members of the public that are not familiar with modern technology and therefore are unable to engage in digital communications in order to complete transactions with the state.

The problem also extends to businesses and professionals, who find it next to impossible to complete the most basic transactions, and on many occasions are forced to wait endlessly for certifications and other relevant documentation. 

Most of the complaints lodged by citizens with the Interior Ministry stem from their inability to contact tax offices, the Single Social...