The Ministry of Defence has so far greatly contributed to the curtailment of expenses. Is there room for more cuts?
Our policy as to rationalization of defence expenses and their gradual and coordinated reduction, in relation to the maintenance and reinforcement of operational efficiency has been the main priority of our Government in the field of National Defence, despite the criticism articulated by those who gained advantages during other “lucrative” periods, both metaphorically and literally. We have achieved great results, however without harming the warfare capability and operation of the Armed Forces. “Tidy-up” will continue in a steady and decisive way in all fields, respecting Greek tax-payers’ money and public interest. The contribution of the Ministry is vital in the frame of the three-year medium-term plan. We have reached a logical reduction percentage, and we must stay there. There is no room for further reductions, if we want to maintain the high operational level of national defence. My responsibility as Minister of National Defence is to find, in these times, the most appropriate way to make the most of the existing resources, through internal funding distribution, where required.
Do you contemplate implementing changes regarding military service? Do rumours regarding an eventual increase in its length correspond to reality?
Not long ago, when New Democracy (Nea Dimokratia – ND) was the ruling party, military service became the subject of petty politics and far-fetched populism, what entailed serious consequences for the staffing and operation of our military units. Without appropriate studies or planning or evaluation of our operational needs, the former political leadership of the Ministry of National Defence, just a few months following the 2009 Elections, further reduced the length of military service and hired professional soldiers for vote-soliciting purposes. The true needs of the Armed Forces were used as a pretext for petty politics. Nowadays, we are called to deal with the consequences of these short-sighted choices. Given that the great majority of Greek people and political parties acknowledge the existence of threats to our country and that at the same time we promote the need to rationalize and reduce defence budgets, it goes without saying that we must treat the issue of military service with caution and honesty, regardless of political interest or cost.
Let me put this differently. The reduction of military service length would be wrong, just as wrong as hiring professional soldiers to cover for vacancies having derived from the reduction of military service length. We are not in favour of the establishment of a professional army, not only because of the political and financial conditions, but also because in the long run, serious operational and social problems will emerge. Furthermore, I believe that young people have rights that must be protected, but they also bear responsibilities to their country which they must assume. This has to be accepted by all: both young people and their families. There is no greater honour than serving your country, especially when it is faced with critical national security problems. Serving your country is not some form of punishment or grind. A study on how to deal with the problem of very few young people doing their military service is underway and will be soon completed, while we still take measures to improve living conditions and make the most of their staying in the Army. Our main goal is to constantly reinforce readiness and efficiency of the Armed Forces. In this frame, we carefully assess all alternatives available. During these difficult times, the concept of “goofing off in camouflage uniform” embraced by our country’s youth can no longer be accepted.
