Central Union of Greek Municipalities

Incoming Athens Mayor Haris Doukas announced officially on Thursday his candidacy for the leadership of the Central Union of Greek Municipalities (KEDE).

Local mayors and professionals say they expect yet another extension, albeit a silent one due to upcoming national elections, that will allow catering establishments to use public spaces for the placement of table seating.

The mayor of the island, Costas Koukas, characterized the measures announced by the government for the reduction of the pandemic in Mykonos as unjust, informing the Board of the Central Union of Greek Municipalities (KEDE) at today's meeting. Mr. Koukas spoke about surprise and measures that affect not only the economy of Mykonos but the national economy itself.

Environment Minister Kostis Hatzidakis (center) is seen with Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis (left) just before a bicycle ride organized by the Central Union of Greek Municipalities (KEDE) to coincide with World Bicycle Day on Wednesday. Hatzidakis announced the creation of two new bicycle lanes in Athens with a total length of about 25 kilometers, which will be financed by the Green Fund.

Attica governor-elect Giorgos Patoulis said that "the proper use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems can play a significant role in communities and local authorities" when it comes to citizens' everyday issues such as security.

Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis on Thursday expressed his staunch opposition to a government plan to establish a state agency that would be responsible for carrying out gentrification projects in the city center worth millions of euros.

Main opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday his party will not allow local elections to be held with the system of simple proportional representation, because it would make municipalities ungovernable and harm the institution of local government.

Main opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis met on Wednesday night with New Democracy and pro-ND mayors from around Greece to discuss the conservative party's strategy in the runup to local elections.

Local government officials called on Thursday for Interior Minister Panos Skourletis to resign after Kathimerini revealed that the Court of Audit has deemed unconstitutional a decision to keep contract workers in their jobs at municipalities, as well as efforts to give them permanent positions.

Citing a lack of funds, several local authorities are refusing to extend the contracts of cleaning staff at municipalities, drawing a vehement response from the union representing municipal workers, which called them stooges of the Central Union of Greek Municipalities (KEDE).

It also accused KEDE of pushing for the abolition of the pertinent legislation regarding contract workers.