Greece Eyes Bold Public Sector Overhaul: Mitsotakis Targets End to Job Permanence

Greece is preparing to embark on one of its most transformative public sector reforms in decades, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announcing a proposal to abolish the constitutional guarantee of job permanence for public employees. This sweeping change will be formally discussed during the Constitutional Review process slated to begin in late 2025.
Speaking in a recent radio interview, Mitsotakis confirmed that New Democracy will advocate for the revision of Article 103 of the Greek Constitution. Significantly, the reform would apply to both current public servants and new hires. “All of them,” Mitsotakis said decisively, signaling a fundamental shift in how public employment is viewed in modern Greece.
The Prime Minister emphasized that stability should not be synonymous with stagnation. “We have moved beyond the era where public employees felt untouchable during government transitions. That mentality must evolve,” he stated. The government aims to address systemic inefficiencies and tackle chronic underperformance by promoting accountability and removing those who persistently fail to meet expectations.
The government is also intensifying its commitment to performance evaluations across the public sector. “Evaluation is not optional—it is a pillar of functional governance,” Mitsotakis declared. Sanctions will be imposed on those who refuse to undergo assessments, ensuring that civil service excellence becomes the norm rather than the exception. Additionally, high-performing employees will be rewarded with performance bonuses—an incentive introduced under Mitsotakis’ administration to motivate and recognize dedication.
Public sentiment appears to be in step with these proposed changes. A recent survey by Marc shows overwhelming support: 88% of citizens agree with mandatory evaluations, and over 76% support ending the policy of job permanence for public workers who underperform.
Beyond reforming job security, the Constitutional Review will address other significant matters including the operation of non-state universities, environmental governance, ministerial accountability, postal voting, and potentially instituting a single six-year presidential term.
Calling for unity, Mitsotakis stressed the importance of building consensus during this pivotal moment: “Constitutional revisions are opportunities to build bridges, not walls,” he remarked after a meeting with President Konstantinos Tasoulas.
To pass any constitutional amendment, a proposal must first secure a 180-vote majority in the current Parliament, or alternatively, pass with 151 votes now and 180 votes in the next parliamentary session. This framework adds urgency for New Democracy to secure broad political backing.
If successful, this reform could reshape Greece’s administrative culture, shifting the public sector toward a performance-driven, transparent, and accountable future.