Crisis & Communication: The

Case of Greece George Petalotis

Ex Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Government’s Spokesman

Greece before the Crisis 15 years of growth Participation in the Economic & Monetary Union Important infrastructure projects Social development High standards of living

Greece in Crisis Global crisis affects Greek economy 2008: Greek economy in recession Misleading statistics given to the EU by the

previous government Greek statistics become a “quick joke”

Greece in Crisis National elections on the 4th October bring PASOK

to power PASOK government and Eurostat discover a deficit

of 15,6% instead of 3% stated by the previous government

International credibility comes to zero

PASOK’s ActionsCommunication strategy in two levels1.Communication Policy abroad Restoring international credibilityDiplomatic marathon Development of task force in order to inform leaders, international opinion makers and mediaResult: the development of EFSF

PASOK’s Actions2. Communication Strategy in GreeceParticipation in EFSF created a unique reality in GreeceCommunication strategy focused totally on presenting the absolute truth with clarity and transparency

Situation in Greece While other EFSF countries reached a minimum

consensus in crisis resolution, Greece did not Greek parties knew the situation but chose to act in

an irresponsible way in order to gain votes Greek citizens in the middle of two opposite sides: the

government trying to talk to their logic and opposition trying to talk to their emotions and subconscious with rumors, conspiracy theories and magical solutions

Result: Greek people blamed the “fireman” not the “arsonist”

Communication Strategy verified For 2,5 years PASOK was struggling alone while

the other parties doubted its political choices Today three parties, New Democracy, PASOK &

Democratic Left, govern Greece and continue the same political choices they doubted before

There was no shift in policy. The two other parties followed the same policy.

Communication Model of the PASOK Government Dominant doctrine: We speak the truth as it is Formation of crisis management team Producing a clear, simple message Spill over of the governmental message via the

media Daily briefing to the Greek and foreign journalists 24/7 communication of the crisis management

team

Social Media & Crisis Social Media is a new reality that can’t be ignored Social Media offer high speed in expanding ideas

and views Social Media work in favor when you want to

distribute your idea, but it is impossible to deal with, when they turn against you

PASOK Government created Social Media accounts for the Prime Minister and the Ministries.

Digital Presence of the Government