I think I've Got It!

Greeks vote for their politicians according to who they know and what they need to be done.
Speculation on the chosen politician's ability to get things done also plays a role -- we mean of course, the politicians' efficiency once they actually accede to power.

Which means, politicians are chosen primarily and voted into office on the strength of their readiness to serve voters' individual /family /corporate and whatever purposes -- not the country's.

In other words, Greeks recruit their politicians to act as "fixers" -- i.e. in to help get the voters' job(s) done.


It should come as no surprise therefore, that when asked to actually govern a country and manage situations, these same politicians are clueless. Incompetent.


It's as simple as that!




Remember the cardinal rules of working / investing Greece:
Without connections to help you cut corners, doing anything in Greece other than holidaying is an exercise in patience and perseverance. For example, ("fast track") licensing for an energy-producing company can take years.
The simple task of registering with authorities and obtaining the obligatory social security papers, the medical cover, and the medication book (yes, a book) can be an ordeal requiring three half-day trips to as many different administrative offices -- as the (Greek - German nationality) Human Resources director of a major retailer discovered, 8 months ago.

Licensing a restaurant can take many months of waiting (in a operational venue!).

Think of what major investing is like -- and, worse, how vulnerable the investment can be if profits are at the mercy of administrative and political manipulations.

Whereas, if one is connected, these same tasks become plainer sailing. As to investments, what better guarantee against a hungry and hostile administration than a politician -- better still, the investor can hope for some public sector business as well.