The Greek management of the coronavirus crisis

Greece is one of the countries of the European Union that has best managed the coronavirus crisis, with numbers of infected and dead well below the average in other countries. But, what has been the key to success? Here are the main reasons, according to the Greek political scientist Takis Spappas.

1– Executive model: As Spappas argues, Greece has a centralized state that facilitates rapid decision-making. On the contrary, in those more decentralized states it has cost more to make decisions and implement the necessary measures.

2- Parties in the power: It is easier to manage a crisis of this type with a government formed by a single party in command than a coalition government where there may be more disagreements.

3- Quick decision-making and efficient management: With the first cases of coronavirus in the country, the Greek President, Kyriakros Mitsotakis acted and ordered to close schools, public institutions, churches, restaurants, theaters and confined the population.

More specifically, on February 26 the first citizen with coronavirus was detected, and it was the same day when the government canceled all the carnival streets and prohibited all school outings. It was March 10, with 89 infected, when Mitsotakis forced the majority of businesses, schools and universities to close. On March 12, with the first death, the Greek government decided to close everything except supermarkets and pharmacies. The result of efficient management is that, today, 108 dead and 2,224 infected.

4- Health system: Faced with the threat of a pandemic, the government hired more than 3,000 workers in the health sector. Likewise, ICU beds were adapted, going from 565 beds to 997.

5- Exemplary citizenship: Another element to take into account is the discipline and obedience of the Greek citizens, who have faithfully maintained the confinement and the measures taken by their government. 

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Source: Libertad Digital