Since the end of the 1967-1974 military dictatorship in Greece, there has been a struggle to find a balance between enforcing the law and upholding democratic values. The removal of authoritarianism and repressive mechanisms was essential, but it came with challenges.
Compromises were made, leading to a flexible interpretation of law enforcement. Public defiance against fare inspectors and vandalism of public property became common occurrences. Organized crime thrived, hiding behind false ideologies, and certain citizens openly violated laws.
The ruling class also contributed to the disregard for the law, with businessmen flaunting their status by breaking regulations. This culture of lawlessness has persisted, affecting universities and public spaces.
While the government is making efforts to address these issues, public opinion fluctuates between demanding law and order and resisting strict enforcement. The decay and dysfunction of the past fifty years cannot be resolved overnight, but acknowledging the abnormality of the situation is crucial.