[Politics/Econ]ahhhh, it's not just an 'merkan problem...

Basically, the "discredited outgoing conservative administration" was drooling over getting power for the best part of the last 10 years - so when they finally got it, they were unable to put a break in the corruption that ensued. Their reasoning was "the previous government embezzled out their wazoo, why not us as well". But they did it fast, and w'out knowing how to cover their asses, so not only they get caught, thusly having the populace really enraged at them, but *fudge*ed up the country's finances as well.

I've tried explaining that to my mom, and I think she understands, but she'll still vote for them next time.....

Pretty much. In Greece it's a general post-1973 thing (the year that the 7 year junta ended). One can hope that if not my generation, the one after it will finally get away from the two-party mentality..