Mitsotakis: A Good Leader for Greece or Just Another Politician?

Over the past few decades, Greece has been navigating through turbulent political waters, with leadership changes and shifting ideologies affecting its international relations and economic stability. Keoko Mitsotakis, the leader of the New Democracy (ND) party, has been at the helm of this political ship since the early 2010s. This article delves into whether Mitsotakis is a good leader for Greece, examining his party's historical approach to working with the European Union (EU), and evaluating his leadership qualities and potential for beneficial international treaties and economic reforms.

History of Political Coalitions and Ideologies

Historically, Mitsotakis' party, the New Democracy (ND), has been more willing to work with the EU compared to other political parties in Greece. A notable example is the prespa agreement in the 1990s, where Mitsotakis' father had made significant progress with FYROM (now North Macedonia). However, his party faced challenges due to the use of populist and xenophobic rhetoric by other parties, particularly PASOK, which had a history of populism and xenophobia, exemplified in their inability to pass the deal due to such tactics.

Debt Crisis and Leadership Failures

The debt crisis of 2009-2015 further exacerbated the political divides within the country. PASOK, a center-left party which had been in power for decades, collapsed after failed attempts to manage the debt crisis. Many of its members, including 70 MPs, defected to Syriza, a left-wing populist party led by Alexis Tsipras. Syriza's policies were often at odds with the EU, leading to further economic distress and political volatility.

The Greek debt crisis provided a modern example of how a lack of leadership can have severe economic and foreign policy consequences. Syriza's initial efforts to fight against the EU resulted in a significant delay in receiving necessary economic reforms and modernization packages. Eventually, Syriza realized the necessity of the same economic reforms that Mitsotakis' ND had proposed earlier, but by that point, the damage had been done. This not only hurt the economy but also led to a loss of foreign confidence in Greek leadership and foreign policies.

Economic Policies and Corporate Alliances

Despite the challenges, ND has implemented several economic policies aimed at improving efficiency, attracting foreign investment, and modernizing the Greek economy. One of the key areas of improvement has been the selling of state assets that were poorly managed and financially draining for the government. By doing so, ND has sought to enhance economic growth and create job opportunities through collaborations with multinational corporations.

The party's efforts have also improved foreign relations with economically sound countries, which has been crucial for Greece's standing on the global stage. However, despite these positive developments, ND has faced significant electoral challenges. The party has a reputation for not always succeeding in winning elections, often losing to left-wing parties like PASOK or Syriza.

Leadership Qualities and International Relations

Mitsotakis is often criticized for his inability to address some of the key issues facing Greece, particularly in terms of international diplomacy. For instance, in the context of Turkey's growing influence in the region, a leader skilled in diplomatic relations would be expected to engage with Turkey to foster mutual benefits for both countries. However, Mitsotakis has been accused of lacking the necessary political courage and personal charisma to take such steps.

Furthermore, his hesitation to engage directly with leaders like Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan reflects a broader issue within the Greek political system. With Chancellor Merkel in Germany, there is a concern that Europe is in need of strong and visionary leaders capable of navigating complex geopolitical issues. Mitsotakis' lack of assertiveness and diplomatic skill is seen as a significant drawback, especially when dealing with issues that require immediate and decisive action.

Conclusion

While Mitsotakis has made strides in addressing certain economic and foreign policy challenges, his leadership qualities leave something to be desired. The Greek political landscape requires qualities of vision, decisiveness, and strong diplomatic skills, all of which can be seen as lacking in Mitsotakis' current leadership. Whether he can rise to the challenges ahead and become a genuinely effective leader for Greece will depend on how he addresses these shortcomings and adapts to the evolving geopolitical environment.