Defending his record in the face of criticism from whoever replaces him, outgoing Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis said he was leaving the Greek capital a better place to live.
He was defeated by Haris Doukas of the socialist PASOK-KINAL party, and the two men have clashed ever since over issues including a state amendment that takes power away from the mayor’s office over investment projects.
Bakoyannis served only one term after winning office in 2019 as a New Democracy candidate and is the nephew of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, but the defeat was a rare loss for the ruling conservatives who dominate the government.
“I wish (Doukas) success for the benefit of the citizens and the city. The bar is now set high, because we promised to raise it,” Bakoyannis said. “The Athens of 2023 is a far cry from the one we inherited in 2019,” he said.
“Today, Athens is progressing rapidly and presents a multitude of opportunities. It has now formulated a comprehensive plan and acquired the necessary resources, means and tools. We are optimistic that the new administration will use these assets effectively,” he said.
He tried to beautify the city, including redoing the grimy Omonia Square near City Hall where a fountain was installed and the area cleaned, and supported the construction of a metro station in the anarchist threshold. of Exarchia, opposed by the inhabitants and the Doukas.
“There are many projects waiting to be completed, and there is a long road ahead for a city committed to improving rather than hindering the lives of its residents – a city that prioritizes security and emanates freedom and creativity for all,” he said.
Bakoyannis pledged to “serve and honor” the people of Athens, pledging constructive opposition in the new city council. “I cede the administration of the commune; I am not giving up on Athens,” he said.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, The Greek Islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek Tourism Report
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Barcex
