Engaging Stakeholders in Policy Making
President Nikos Christodoulides has adopted a distinctive approach to formulating policy, one that involves bringing together various stakeholders for discussions at the presidential palace. This method aligns with his ethos of listening and engaging with stakeholders prior to making decisions, although it has been noted that such a consensus-driven process can sometimes hinder the pursuit of optimal solutions.
In a recent move to enhance this collaborative approach, President Christodoulides announced at the Federation of Employers and Industrialists (Oev) AGM that the government will “institutionalise direct dialogue with the business community.” This initiative is intended to harness the collective expertise of both the business sector and the cabinet, ensuring that feedback is considered before policy implementation. The president emphasized the success of previous meetings with foreign investors and reiterated the crucial role of businesses as the “driving force of economic development.”
Despite these affirmations, the government’s track record during its first year in office seems to diverge from these principles. The administration has consistently met union demands, which some argue could impede economic progress. Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou, in particular, has faced criticism for his perceived partiality towards unions during labour disputes.
A notable instance of this perceived bias is the establishment of a tripartite advisory committee tasked with advising on labour market needs for third-country nationals’ work permits. This committee was formed in response to union demands, and should disagreements arise over employment criteria, Panayiotou’s past actions suggest that his proposals may not be impartial.
This pattern continued in the longstanding dispute between Hellenic Bank and the union Etyk, where the Labour Minister’s mediation seemingly favored union demands. Such instances cast doubt on the government’s commitment to balancing union interests with those of the business community.
However, with the recent decision to engage more closely with business representatives, there may be signs of a shift towards a more inclusive approach to policy development. As stakeholders anticipate these changes, many hope for a more balanced consideration of both business and labour perspectives in future policies.
