I introduced myself showing my utmost respect and admiration, expressing gratitude for the honor. He bypassed the regular smiles and formalities, getting directly to the point: “So what is happening now in Greece?”

So, is started repeating the story i have told everyone there about the low percentages of the 2 major parties, the rise of the left and the nationalists and the coalition talks. He stopped me soon to say: “Yes, i know all that, but tell me what is really happening now, and what is going to happen if the Democratic Left refuses till the end”. I had to quickly adapt to the fact that all the names of small Greek parties had suddenly become international news. The perspective of new elections came into our discussion and then he asked “So, what do you think about all of this?”. Being asked for an opinion on such an issue from such a politician came as a positive shock, I have to say.

And then I started talking. For an abnormal period of time. And he did not interrupt once. He was listening as carefully as i was thinking every next word. I have never seen that from a politician. I almost felt awkward at some point and was not sure if was supposed to keep talking or shut up. When i actually did, i was not sure if he was really listening or just pretending. But he didn’t. Coelho commented on every and each of my points with a unique willingness to convince me about his own opinion. He had so much energy when arguing my views, I felt I had to be convinced only because of his immense effort.

It does not matter what i said, and I will not quote him for privacy reasons. Besides, his views on the crisis are publicly known. What really matters though, is that if Passos Coelho behaves in the same way with his voters, then winning those elections in June 2011 should not have been that hard. Coelho is the first politician I meet whom actively listens. Who shows you how much he is concerned from your concerns. Who does not even try to be likeable. He just is.

This is how modern leaders should be. Giving the feeling of closeness to people they have never met before. Being normal when everyone else is faking. Spending time and energy to convince in actual discussions, not just reading out nicely written speeches. Asking for opinions not just campaigning about his own. Listening instead of talking, when the time is right.

Passos Coelho gained my respect. Not because he had that discussion with me. But because i saw him having another one with my Finnish colleague, right after.

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Konstantinos Kyranakis is Vice President, Youth of the European People’s Party