Editorial: Zealots

Not only in Greece but in all countries the issue of keeping commercial shops open on Sundays has stirred intense debate.

One must note if one does not see the issue through the prism of ideological fixations – either on the one side or the other – that both camps have arguments that should be heard.

It is true that measures such as this can under certain conditions boost consumption, which is a necessary condition for reviving the economy.

It is also true, however, that for small and medium-sized stores the competition with large commercial shopping malls is great and exceptionally uneven and obviously favours the other.

That means that any decision on the matter must be the result of a dialogue in which clearly the data and logic must prevail and not the zealots on both sides.

The overarching question is whether this measure will yield the projected economic benefits for the economy.

How will the rights of employees be guaranteed?

Will businesses abide by the terms and rules?

Will consumers be receptive to such a development?

According to a report in Ta Nea, the competent ministry intends to pursue a dialogue and to draft studies with projections on the results of the measure.

One can also draw useful conclusions from international experience.

What is certain is that the issue does not offer fertile ground for revolutionary salvos or for neo-liberal experiments.

The zealots must not prevail in this debate.