The attitude of the municipal authority on the Alexandra Avenue refugee issue was criticized by Kostas Bakoyannis, in a post on social media.
He criticized the handling of the Municipality of Athens on the issue, expressing objections to the management and decisions taken.
At the same time, he also referred to the interruption of the meeting of the City Council, referring to “an image that does not honor the institution“, pointing out the need for institutional seriousness and the smooth operation of procedures.
The former mayor and head of the “Athens Tall” faction initially says:
“What happened at the meeting the day before yesterday is truly unprecedented: during the discussion of such a serious issue for the city, that of the refugees on Alexandra Avenue, the proceedings were interrupted due to tension created by demonstrators. An image that does not honour the institution and for which the municipal authority is responsible, as its attitude and the absence of a clear position leaves room for the situation to escalate instead of being defused through a clear institutional dialogue”.
And continues on the individual issues:
“Let’s look at the issues we managed to raise before the meeting was adjourned in detail:
Refugees: The issue of the Refugees concerns both the restoration of a historic complex and the social role it will play in the city from now on.
As announced by the Region of Attica, the apartments that will be created will have a social use: for families, unemployed, young and elderly people with low income, but also for accompanying patients of “Agios Savvas”. This is a proposal that has been shaped through previous phases of public debate and institutional initiatives, with the participation of different political forces.
We stressed that the process must proceed as planned, with transparency, dialogue and the participation of all stakeholders, with respect both to the historical importance of the site and to the current residents of the area.
PARAGRAPH: We continue to receive a large number of complaints from all neighborhoods across the city, capturing an overall picture of difficulties in daily life. We therefore presented specific issues from many areas of Athens concerning cleanliness, lighting, roads and public spaces.
We proposed immediate and targeted interventions in the neighborhoods, with priority given to the most burdened areas.
SCHOOL DRIVERS:These workers, having a great responsibility, support the safety of students outside schools. There have been allegations that they have remained unpaid since the end of December, which is a legitimate concern.
We have asked for an official update on what is in place and when their payment will be completed.
Vandalism to Municipal Police patrol car:On Saturday, in the Exarchia area, during a scheduled shift, a Municipal Police patrol car was vandalized and the two employees were verbally abused. It is not an isolated incident and cannot find us indifferent.
We have proposed to strengthen the protection measures for all municipal employees, so that they can carry out their work without risks.
SUMMER CAMP:For three years now, parents have been organizing a summer camp at the 13th Primary School on their own initiative. This year they were informed that the Municipality’s camp will also be held at the same venue. They are reasonably requesting that the municipal activity be moved to another school so that two camps can be held and more children can be served.
We suggested that a solution be considered in consultation with parents to support the existing effort and benefit more families.
Traffic & PARKING IN PHILOPAPPOS:A serious problem has been created in the wider area, with thousands of vehicles flooding the Filopappou ring road and roads in the surrounding areas, such as Thiseio and Petralona, putting a strain on them.
We have proposed immediate traffic and parking arrangements, with priority given to residents.
RECOGNITION:Complaints about excessive grass in squares, hills and public spaces are strong, with the picture of neglect evident ahead of summer.
We have proposed an immediate and organised programme of deforestation, with clear priorities by area, to address the most stressed parts of the city.”
