Table of Contents
- 1 Restrictions on recruitment in the State
- 2 The new appointments in 2025
- 3 Contract holders in moderation
- 4 **What are the potential long-term consequences for the quality and efficiency of public services in Greece if the current trend of retirements continues unabated, and how can the government incentivize younger generations to pursue careers in the civil service?**
The upward trend continues in the departures of civil servants due to retirement. According to data presented in the budget, a total of 14,621 regular employees left in 2023, of which 33% from the Ministry of Education, Religion and Sports, 22% from the Ministry of Health and 24% in total from the Ministries of National Defense and Protection of the Citizen.
A similar number of departures is expected this year. Based on the estimates of the National Actuarial Authority (EAA) and also based on the available data (until 30.9.2024), employee departures will amount to 14,649 this year and 15,094 in 2025.
The largest percentage of them (82%) concerns the four ministries above. It should be noted that over 10,000 employees will leave the Ministry of Education in the two years 2024-2025.
Restrictions on recruitment in the State
New appointments and recruitment of regular staff are subject to restrictions. From 2019, the 1:1 recruitment – departure rule applies, i.e. one recruitment for every one departure.
This rule is applied as a whole, throughout the General Government and not per branch or agency. Nevertheless, there are fewer people who are hired at least until this year than those who leave.
In the year 2023, the new appointments of regular employees whose salaries are charged directly to the regular budget, totaled 10,759 (including admissions to productive schools).
In the Ministry of Education, Religion and Sports, 4,331 permanent staff appointments were made (40% of the total), while in the Ministry of National Defense 3,057 appointments were made (28% of the total), including both the recruitment of Professional Soldiers and admissions to military schools .
Finally, 1,297 appointments (12% of the total) were implemented in the Ministry of Citizen Protection and 1,050 appointments (10% of the total) in the Ministry of Health.
Until 30.9.2024, the implemented appointments and recruitments of regular employees whose salaries are directly charged to the regular budget, amount to 18,010. In particular, 9,792 appointments were made in the Ministry of Education, Religion and Sports, the vast majority of which belong to the category of permanent Primary and Secondary Education teachers, while 3,090 appointments were made in the Ministry of Health.
The new appointments in 2025
For the year 2025, new appointments and recruitments are expected to reach around 20,000, including recruitments (within the 1:1 rule) that were not implemented in previous years.
In total, the new appointments of regular employees will cost 196 million. euros in addition to the budget
Contract holders in moderation
From the year 2021, an annual planning of recruitment of fixed-term private law personnel and project lease contracts of both the Central Administration bodies and the other bodies of the General Government was institutionalized
The maximum allowed number of non-regular staff recruitments in all General Government agencies was determined in 2023 at 22,344 (from 25,344 in 2022) while according to the 2024 recruitment planning, the corresponding number remained unchanged.
Furthermore, for 2025 the IDOH staff recruitment planning is expected to remain the same. For 2025, the total expenditure of the regular budget for the payroll of the new non-regular staff hires, based on the annual recruitment planning, is predicted to reach 112 million. euro.
Source: ot.gr
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**What are the potential long-term consequences for the quality and efficiency of public services in Greece if the current trend of retirements continues unabated, and how can the government incentivize younger generations to pursue careers in the civil service?**
## Civil Servant Departures: A Crisis Looming?
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into the pressing issues impacting our society. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Maria Papadopoulou, an economist specializing in public sector workforce trends, and Mr. Leonidas Georgiou, President of the Greek Civil Servants’ Union.
Maintaining a robust and experienced civil service is essential for effective governance. However, recent data reveals a significant trend of retirements within Greece’s public sector, raising concerns about potential shortages and long-term consequences.
We aim to dissect this complex issue, exploring its implications and potential solutions.
**Section 1: The Retirement Wave**
* **Maria:** Dr. Papadopoulou, the article highlights a substantial number of retirements, particularly within key ministries like Education, Health, and Defense. What are the underlying factors driving this trend?
* **Leonidas:** Mr. Georgiou, from a union perspective, how are these retirements affecting the morale and workload of remaining civil servants? Are there any specific concerns regarding specific departments or sectors?
**Section 2: Recruitment Challenges**
* **Maria:** We see a 1:1 recruitment-departure rule in place, yet the article suggests fewer new hires than departing civil servants. What explains this discrepancy, and is this approach sufficient to maintain an adequate workforce?
* **Leonidas:** Mr. Georgiou, does the union perceive this recruitment model as effective? What challenges do you see in attracting qualified individuals to the public sector, particularly in light of the current economic climate?
**Section 3: Future Implications and Solutions**
* **Maria:** Looking ahead, what long-term consequences could this ongoing trend of retirements have on the efficiency and effectiveness of public services?
* **Leonidas:** Mr. Georgiou, what specific policy recommendations would the union propose to address this issue? What role should the government play in attracting and retaining qualified civil servants?
**Section 4: Contract Workers: A Viable Solution?**
* **Maria:** The article mentions an increase in the use of contract workers. How does this strategy fit within the broader picture of addressing civil servant shortages? What potential benefits and drawbacks should be considered?
* **Leonidas:** Mr. Georgiou, what are the union’s views on the reliance on contract workers? Does this model adequately address the concerns of job security and career development for civil servants?
**Conclusion:**
We’ve explored the complex issue of civil servant retirements and the challenges they pose for Greece. Thank you, Dr. Papadopoulou and Mr. Georgiou, for your insightful perspectives. The path forward will require careful consideration of the multifaceted implications and a collaborative effort to ensure a robust and well-equipped civil service for the future.
