Greek citizens expressed strong support for the country’s digital public services and the “reforms we have implemented,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated, citing the results of the first public sector evaluation presented at a special event at the Maximos Mansion.

First-Ever Public Evaluation of State Services

This marks the first time citizens were given the opportunity to evaluate state services and how they are served both in daily life and by central government bodies, the Prime Minister noted.

“Our goal is for the public sector to keep getting better,” Mitsotakis said, adding that 65,000 citizens took part in the largest survey on public administration ever conducted in Greece. “It’s a mirror of citizens’ real-life experience—not of how we imagine things to be,” he stressed.

“It’s now in our hands to turn these results into actions that improve public services—and mayors must do the same,” he added. The data showed no significant geographical disparities in evaluations, though island regions face specific challenges like road infrastructure. Notably, Lesvos received high scores due to the positive impact of a single infrastructure project, underlining how tangible improvements shift public opinion.

Citizens confirmed many existing concerns, including delays in land registry procedures and bureaucratic hurdles for issuing seasonal workers’ residence permits. On the positive side, the country’s digital platform Gov.gr, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, received widespread cross-generational approval. The e-ticketing system also received favorable feedback.

However, reviews were mixed for public transport and notably critical of municipal services. “Mayors should reflect on these findings,” Mitsotakis said.

Serious Concerns About Urban Planning Services

The Prime Minister gave special mention to local urban planning services, saying the permit issuance system has reached its limits and must be overhauled.

Summarizing the overall message of the evaluation, he said: “Something is changing in the public sector. We face obstacles that have been entrenched for decades—and now we must tackle them.”

He also issued a firm message: “Those who refuse evaluation are refusing to be held accountable to the citizens,” emphasizing that performance measurement is essential for proper assessment.

Constitutional Reform and Civil Servant Accountability

Citing the survey results, Mitsotakis referred to his initiative to revise Article 103 of the Constitution, which currently guarantees tenure for public servants. “Yes, in extreme cases where an employee persistently fails to meet objectives, there must be the option of dismissal,” he said.

The Prime Minister announced that evaluations will continue, focusing next on the Health sector. Soon, citizens will be able to give feedback immediately after hospital visits.

“It’s important to remember: we can change the state. Think of how EFKA (social insurance), DYPA (employment agency), and AADE (independent tax authority) used to operate. Progress didn’t happen by accident. We looked in the mirror, saw both what we liked and what we didn’t—and I hope even more citizens participate in the next round of evaluation,” Mitsotakis concluded.

Public Sector Evaluation Highlights – 65,000 Participants

According to Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios, 65,000 citizens participated in the evaluation process that concluded on May 31.

Of the municipalities assessed, 184 had sufficient data, with Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion topping the list.

Key takeaways from the data analysis included:

• Major national public institutions received relatively uniform ratings
• Satisfaction with Athens’ public transport varied depending on local service quality
• Gov.gr earned high marks nationwide
• Island road infrastructure was a significant problem
• The main municipal issues were road conditions, sidewalks, and parking spaces
• Urban planning services received low scores
• Sanitation and street lighting saw slightly better evaluations
• There is a clear need to improve core municipal infrastructure