Bill on illegal structures threatens Greek coastlines

Greek beaches and shores could be set on a path of no return if Parliament approves a draft bill to be submitted soon by the Finance Ministry, which will pave the way for the legalization of seaside structures. 

Even though the bill purports to rid the country's shores of the huge illegal constructions by large tourism industry enterprises and energy companies, it falls short of the commitment made last year by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to unequivocally demolish all of them. 

The draft bill was presented to ruling SYRIZA's parliamentary group a few days ago. 

Critics says its provisions are far more lenient compared to a bill drafted in 2014 regarding illegal seaside constructions that was, however, withdrawn after a public outcry over its perceived laxness toward building violations. 

More specifically, the new bill's provisions stipulate the...