Myths and Realities about Corruption in Public Administration and its Discourse in Greece

It is well known that the public administration in Greece receives the strongest criticism from the media, NGOs, economic and international organisations for being too big, too inefficient and too expensive for what it has to offer. It is criticised above all for being the main impediment to transparency and hence the development of the country, while the private economy usually presents itself as the main ‘victim’ of bureaucracy and ‘corruption’.¹ This article attempts to challenge some myths and dispute everyday theories about public service in the country that have been increasingly reproduced and expanded upon over the last few years, both inside and outside of Greece, due to the economic crisis. The analysis will include the impact of the dominant concept of corruption in countries in the semi-periphery like Greece, as expressed by international organisations.