Greeks view political parties as outdated and lack trust in them, yet they are considered the only institution that can govern, according to a new survey by the Institute for Alternative Policies, which describes itself as “a progressive and left think tank that perceives itself as part of a wider movement of ideas for changing society”.
“It is possible that in the view of the majority of respondents, the coexistence of more political parties in a government serves to offset the weaknesses of “obsolescent political parties,” the researchers opined.
Regarding the new vs. old dichotomy in politics, the study concluded that, “Especially in times of crisis, there is a dilemma over what social and political groupings of the past should maintain or discard, and it is necessary to discern what people consider ‘new’.”
Hence, the survey found that the citizenry is practically evenly divided over the meaning of old and new in politics. That would indicate the limits of political rhetoric in which parties describe themselves as bearers of new ideas and policies.
The survey found that respondents want to maintain the positive elements of old party politics, but they also want a transition to new policies and outlooks that they believe are lacking.
The survey also examined the response to catchwords and terms that represent political principles and ideals. The terms “solidarity” and “social justice” are viewed as “timely”, whereas “neo-liberalism” is characterised as “outdated”.
Respondents also said that traditional means of labour advocacy as “obsolete”, yet the majority opposed abolition of the right to strike.
