Editorial: Scandal-mongering

In an investigation, one might say that if you leave no stone unturned you are bound to discover something.

If, however, after a year-and-a-half of exhaustive meetings one has only “strong indications”, then the purpose of the investigation may not bear much relation to the probe itself. The purpose appears to be the constant dissemination all manner of accusation so that some shadows will remain.

Apparently, such is the case of the parliamentary investigative committee on the actions of the Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (HDCC).

The government engaged in constant scandal-mongering in regard to the case, as it would be yet another one of its “scandal of scandals”, which allegedly burden past Pasok and New Democracy governments.

The ruling majority gladly hastened in Parliament to reveal information on which the government ‘s assertions would be grounded. The paltry report of the majority in no way justified its high-pitched rhetoric. The alleged misdeeds were just another case of scandal-mongering.

Not only has the government invested politically in the peddling of scandals, it has based its survival on it. That explains why it tirelessly serves this political tack, often in violation of the separation of powers, including the case of a minister who declared that one wins elections from imprisoning people.

Those in power are mistaken if they believe that scandal-mongering produces political benefits. Still, there are repercussions. It creates fissures in the political system and sets political parties in battle formation against each other.

The last thing that the country needs at this juncture is a divisive clash.