Summary:
The purpose of the Thesis is to study the institution of the Single Public Procurement Independent Authority, and to evaluate its reformative role in the sector of public procurement, in the light of its contribution to the enhancement of transparency and the reduction of over-regulation and the ensuing corruption. For the purposes of the study, the most important pathogens of the Greek Public Administration, over-regulation and corruption, are first defined and analyzed. The need for reform is addressed, and the necessary parameters of an efficient and successful reform action are identified and elaborated on. In particular, the fulfillment of the three criteria of successful reform methodology, namely realism, consensus and "window of change" are investigated, and the various steps of the reform in question are traced according to the concise memorandum of the "systematic procedure for formulating and adopting administrative decisions", which is followed when solving complex problems, such as those of public policy. Next, the concept of transparency is examined, which is recognized as imperative in the fight against corruption under the Constitution and national legislation, as well as under European and international agreements, policies and recommendations. Further, when considering the stages of the examined reform initiative, the reasons why the Single Public Procurement Independent Authority was selected as an amendation and rationalization tool are investigated. The current situation is then analyzed, together with the political and economic environment that necessitated the establishment of a regulating Authority in the Public Procurement sector. An attempt is also made to evaluate the reactions, objections and hesitation at the time of decision-making and implementation. This is followed by a detailed presentation of the Authority, the legal context of its operation, its structure, mission and responsibilities. A side by side comparison with other State Authorities of similar nature and purpose is conducted in order to identify any overlap of responsibilities, and estimate the added value of the Authority's active involvement in this area of state action. Finally, an effort is made to evaluate its effectiveness and contribution to the enhancement of transparency and to the efficiency of the Public Pprocurement system, in the light of the prescribed reform objectives, and the allocated legislative, organizational and material means and resources. The degree of fulfillment of successful reform strategy criteria in terms of application, future viability and potential improvement is also assessed.
Keywords:
Single Public Procurement independent authority, public procurement, transparency, reform, corruption
