The Hindu : Conservatives swept to power

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 09, 2004

International

International

Conservatives swept to power

By Batuk Gathani

BRUSSELS, MARCH 8. The conservative New Democracy Party of Greece, led by Costas Caramanlis, defeated the Socialists who have been in power for over two decades, in the national elections conducted on Sunday.

Mr. Caramanlis (47), who will become the youngest ever Prime Minister of Greece, is the scion of a well-known political family of the country. Speaking after his party's victory, Mr. Caramanlis promised a smaller government, less bureaucracy and lower taxes.

He also pledged more funds for education, social welfare and health and vowed to crack down on corruption, initiate wide-ranging economic and administrative reforms and boost the country's slow economic growth. Above all, the Greeks were promised an end to "the era of arrogant policies bred by over 25 years of Socialist hold on power".

One of the first tasks of Mr. Caramanlis will be to deal with the March 22 deadline to bring about a settlement between the warring Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities and pave the way for a united Cyprus's entry into the European Union on May 1. The Greek Government is closely involved in the United Nations-sponsored negotiations on the future of Cyprus.

The Socialist Party leader, George Papandreou, conceded defeat on Sunday night, as the New Democracy Party won a majority in the 300-seat Parliament. Mr. Papandreou is described as the "most popular" Greek politician, who took over the party leadership last March. Since then, the party has made some progress but has yet to establish sufficient credibility as its reputation has been tainted by allegations of corruption and inefficiency.

Mr. Caramanlis, who has never held a Cabinet post, faces a formidable task in coping with administrative challenges. Greece ranks amongst the poorest E.U. countries, although its people are dynamic and entrepreneurial. Apart from the pressing economic issues and the Cyprus question, the top priority of the new Government will be the smooth conduct of the Olympic Games scheduled to be held in August. A two-week security exercise for the Olympics starts on Wednesday, involving several thousand soldiers and police.

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