Greek MP Criticizes "Staff State" Over Decision-Making and OPAPKEPE Case

New Democracy MP Foteas Baraliakos has voiced strong criticism of the "staff state" and the decision-making process within the government.

Baraliakos, representing Pieria, was among five MPs who co-signed a letter published by the newspaper "Ta Nea," highlighting concerns about the centralisation of power and the need for greater input from regional representatives.

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The staff state has responsibilities, as the necessary interventions should have been made earlier.

Speaking on the radio station Parapolitika 90.1, he emphasized that MPs from the regions should have a more significant role in decision-making centers. He specifically pointed to the OPAPKEPE case, stating that the "staff state" bears responsibility for not intervening earlier.

Addressing remarks by Prime Minister and Minister of State Akis Skertsos about "feudal lords" and "fiefdoms," Baraliakos asserted that the MPs are a united team and that the "staff state," which provides ministers with policy planning documents, has a crucial role. He rejected the notion of internal sabotage, stating, "There are no enemies within the gates."

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There are no enemies within the gates, I don't know who Mr. Skertsos means.

The core message of the MPs' letter, he explained, was about citizen representation. While acknowledging the "staff state's" success during crises, he stressed the need for criticism to foster improvement, especially with elections approaching. "We will be judged by our work," he added.

Baraliakos insisted on the importance of amplifying the voices of regional MPs, stating, "We want a greater role in Athens' decision-making centers." He explained that MPs convey the demands and problems of local communities "from the bottom up." "We want greater intervention in decision-making centers for the implementation of strategies in the regions, so that others do not decide for us," he stressed, advocating for a closer connection between government operations and citizens' daily lives.

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We want a greater role in Athens' decision-making centers.

Regarding the potential incompatibility of MPs holding ministerial positions, he expressed caution: "For now, I do not support it, but I reserve judgment." He also noted that the German model is difficult to apply to Greek political culture, as "we like to choose whom we send to the Greek Parliament."

He attached particular importance to the OPAPKEPE case. When asked about Yannis Pappas's statement that government work coordinator Akis Skertsos also bears responsibility, he agreed, saying the "staff state" is responsible. "The issue is old. When we voted for the lifting of immunity last week, we felt very uncomfortable," he said.

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We will be judged by our work.