The administrative structures of spatial planning in Greece during the recent administrative reforms

Abstract

The implementation of planning depends, to a great extent, on the equivalent national administrative system. The Greek administrative system is strictly hierarchical and dysfunctional, and the implementation of planning is a complex and ineffective process. Factors that negatively affect the function of the administrative system are the lack of institutional stability due to continuous changes of the legislation, the fragmentation of the responsibilities of the administration at any level, the absence of an adequate mechanism to monitor the implementation of planning, the shortages of specialized and experienced personnel, and most of all, the lack of political will. This paper examines the recent administrative reforms in Greece, with special reference to the organization of the administrative structures in the remit of spatial planning, and explores the administrative malfunctions that have occurred, making the implementation of the planning unclear, uncertain and ineffective. In particular, the paper focuses on the organizational dysfunctions of the Department of the Built Environment (YDOM) at the municipal level, after the repealing of the Prefectures. The paper concludes that, in order to successfully apply any reforms, it is necessary to optimize the efficiency of the administrative structures and ensure the synergy of the political will, and the willingness for cooperation of the involved civil servants.