Large majority of Greeks distrust politicians, domestic and EU institutions

A large majority of Greek citizens distrust politicians and domestic and EU institutions, a new survey indicated, as Greece is still being mired in a three-year severe economic crisis. About 80 percent of respondents in the survey conducted by the University of Macedonia in northern Greece and published in Sunday's "Vima" (Tribune) local newspaper believe that despite pledges made and steps taken in recent months, corruption remains a plague in politics, local administration and social life in the country. Members of the parliament top the list of "key suspects" of corruption at 89 percent, according to the poll's results. They are followed by taxmen (at 82 percent) and mayors (at 81 percent). Despite the unprecedented arrests and trials of prominent politicians - including a former defense minister and a former mayor of Greece's second largest city and businessmen accused of corruption over the past two years, Greeks appear more and more disappointed. Eight out of ten respondents said that harsher punishments should be imposed on persons found guilty of corruption to combat the phenomenon. Corruption is regarded as the key factor behind the mounting distrust towards politicians and institutions, according to the university's experts. About 90 percent of Greeks do not trust the parliament. In 2011 the percentage stood at 76 percent. About 70 percent of respondents said that they do not trust the EU and its institutions. The percentage stood at 53 two years ago. Half of respondents do not trust police and the justice system. The percentage in 2011 stood at about 40 percent.