Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis has openly expressed his government’s stance towards public sector reform, announcing that his party, New Democracy (ND), will propose changes to the constitutional provision that guarantees permanent employment for civil servants. Speaking on SKAI radio, Mitsotakis said, "I believe the time has come to review Article 103 of the Constitution, which enshrines job permanency in the public sector. This will apply across the board to all civil servants."

He went on to argue that permanent status should not act as a barrier to progress.

“If a public servant is clearly underperforming due to structural or consistent shortcomings, there must be a way for their manager to take appropriate action. That should include the option of dismissal if necessary,” he said. “We might need 180 votes in Parliament for this, so we’re looking to build support with other parties. Meritocracy must be linked to the performance of the public sector.”

The Greek PM also made it clear that refusing to undergo performance evaluation would no longer be tolerated.

“It is unacceptable for a public employee to reject evaluation. We must also take a closer look at how these evaluations actually work in practice. Any structured administration carries out evaluations – of course the same should apply in the Greek civil service.”

Mitsotakis criticised the evaluation practices under the previous SYRIZA government, claiming, “Back then, 97% were deemed excellent – clearly that’s not credible.” He added that the current government is the first to introduce performance-based bonuses, allocating €40 million this year alone for that purpose. “This government is committed to real, meaningful evaluation in the public sector,” he said.

He ended with a threat:

“If a public servant refuses to be evaluated, there will be consequences. Sanctions will be imposed on anyone who declines to take part.”

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