The Ministry of the Interior's database of questions for the naturalization of foreigners is quite amusing (https://exetaseis-ithageneia.ypes.gr/#topics). It is so ridiculous that one wonders whether its authors should have Greek citizenship or whether it should be revoked for insulting the Greek language. For example, what exactly do the poets of the Ministry of Education mean when they instruct students to «recognize the “television couples” of Greek cinema» (question 47)? «Television» couples in cinema? Mysteries and riddles... by Mr. Mavroudis Voridis. Furthermore, who remembers that «since the transition to democracy, only six governments have managed to complete their term of office» (question 38)?;
A great topic is the following: «Which combination of entities is responsible for maintaining the road network in Greece? a) Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Concession Companies, Regions, Municipalities. b) Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Traffic Police, Regions, Municipalities. c) Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Development and Investment, Regions. d) Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Development and Investment, Municipalities» (question 48).
This requires clarification. Firstly: are we sure that Mr. Kostas Ach. Karamanlis is aware of the combination? Secondly: is an answer such as ’all of the above and a dozen more...« correct? In other words, someone who would write such a thing would demonstrate that they have a profound knowledge of the domestic reality. Every Greek citizen knows that there is an incredible web of responsibilities in every issue involving the state, i.e., in everything. Is there a local who can answer with certainty who should prune the trees next to the power lines? Here, during the recent bad weather, ministers sent us from pillar to post, but would a Syrian refugee know? In any case, if by any chance he does know, apart from being a Greek citizen, we should immediately make him a minister.
On the other hand, if we think about it, such a bank of topics is the best way to integrate foreigners into Greek reality. All they have to do is memorize 550 answers to questions such as «Name four (4) prefectures in Greece that are not bordered by the sea.» The most studious among them will go to tutoring centers that may not teach children anything substantial, but teach them wonderful tricks for memorizing useless knowledge, even parroting entire essays. This way, they will meet the criterion of Isocrates, who said that «Greeks are those who participate in Greek education.» This education that—in any case—we have, or rather, that we have reduced to this...
Paschos Mandravelis
