“State-level candidates to be elected, even people who until now did not want to participate in elections. The evaluation is progressing with significant results…”, the Minister of Interior said from Thermopylae…

Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios opened up to ERT journalist Fani Papathanasiou , within the framework of the Thermopylae Forum 2025.

The 1st ^Thermopylae Chat revolved around the future of Local Government, without missing references to the “thorn” of evaluation in the public sector.

Mr. Livanios, referring to the new electoral law for local government elections, which is expected to be submitted to Parliament in the summer of 2025, explained the advantages of electing Mayors and Regional Governors on the first Sunday, as well as what is under discussion to improve the proposal, declaring himself open to suggestions before many local government and party representatives who participated in the forum.

One of the innovations is digital voting in local elections and of course “the need to vote” from the 1st ^Sunday , so as to avoid the phenomenon of large abstentions.

The Municipal Units will, however, remain with the support of the Presidents and Councils. However, there will be the option of some people being elected without a cross, from 1 to 3 depending on the population of the Municipality or Region.

Mr. Livanios referred to many problems plaguing local government, which are well-known and require immediate solutions. Giving a simple but characteristic example regarding who can be responsible for a stream, he demonstrated the involvement of responsibilities and the need for management by a single body.

“Funding from central resources is never enough,” admitted Mr. Livanios, noting the effort to ensure that funding follows GDP growth.

However, if the – under discussion – changes in the election of local authorities have raised debates, the issue of evaluation in the public sector has continued for two years to be a key point of friction with trade union bodies. “Until 2022, we had the highest percentage of excellent people in the public sector in the universe, reaching 98%,” commented Mr. Livanios sarcastically. With the evaluation system that we are introducing, 98% has dropped to 10%. “ The goal is not to punish but to improve, to make better the people in the public sector who provide services to citizens ,” said Mr. Livanios, noting that the productivity bonus with specific targets has been doubled

“Reward is needed,” the Minister emphasized and explained the role it plays in increasing efficiency.

At the same time, it should be noted that the evaluation of the public sector by citizens is also underway. Mr. Livanios stated that he was satisfied with the participation, which reached 25,000 questionnaires, most of which concern municipalities.

Reference was also made to disciplinary law, as Mr. Livanios said that there is a need for rewards but also for disciplinary offenses to be tried quickly. “A Special Body of Officials who will be the judges of the disciplinary councils will ensure the credibility of the public sector,” the Minister emphasized.

Finally, he referred to the many advantages of Phthiotis. ” The region must take advantage of its location, its products, and preserve its people, and this will be seen in its development .”

You can watch the entire very interesting discussion through the Thermopylae Forum 2025, in the video below: