Pointing out that metropolitanism is the next necessary step if we want more effective governance, the regional governor of Attica, Nikos Chardalias, speaking at the OTA EXPO 2026.
Specifically, Nikos Chardalias referred to the need for the government to make bold decisions to shape a metropolitan, decentralized model of governance, with Peripheries to have a primary role in the formulation of policies based on spatial criteria, but also in its institutional consolidation through the extensive self-government reform promoted recently.
Hardalias stressed that Local Government is at a critical juncture, during which Districts and Regions are called upon to prove in practice their potential. In this context, he developed the position of the Region of Attica in favour of metropolitan governance, noting that “the country needs a new model of governance, free from the mistakes and entanglements of the past“.
Referring to the institutional changes currently underway, Mr. “It was a mistake to abolish the Organization for the Regulatory Plan and Environmental Protection of Athens in 2014 and even more so the abolition of the Metropolitan Planning Council in 2024,” he said: “It is not possible that the Central Council for Urban Planning Issues and Disputes of the Ministry of Environment is responsible for the major problems of the basin. Attica needs a metropolitan body to manage the major problems facing its citizens. And the government must dare to do so.”
Unified planning towards modern challenges
The regional governor explained that modern challenges, such as traffic, civil protection, dealing with the consequences of the climate crisis, waste management, strengthening infrastructure and improving road safety, require unified planning, clear responsibilities, adequate resources and new institutional tools. “We cannot respond to the challenges of the future by using yesterday’s tools,” he said.
He particularly stressed the need to strengthen the institutional role of local government, making it clear that the relevant claim is not about the concentration of powers, but about more effective service to citizens. “We do not want to become caliphs in the place of the caliph. We do not claim more officiating and titles. We don’t care about the title written under our chair. What we are claiming is substantial opportunities to be more useful and more effective,” he noted.
On the vital importance of European resources, the regional governor stressed the special symbolism of the choice of the Athens Conservatory to host the event, noting that it is an emblematic cultural space, the renovation of which was funded through the NSRF by the Attica Regional Programme of Attica. As he noted, “this project is a typical example of the potential of the Regions when they combine vision, proper planning and effective use of the available financial tools.”
In fact, Mr. Chardalias made special reference to the public dialogue that has been opened in the European institutions in view of the new management period of the NSRF 2028 – 2034, underlining the need to maintain the relevant Regional and Sectoral Programmes, with European Regions having an enhanced role in the formulation and implementation of policies related to local issues. “Flexibility, immediacy and, most importantly, effectiveness will be judged not on intentions and intentions, but on practice. We expect from September to have a clear position and to launch developments long before the final decisions are taken,” he noted.
Plan of 300+1 projects and 50 interventions
At the same time, he referred to the plan of 300+1 projects and 50 interventions that the Region of Attica is implementing throughout the Attica Basin, stressing that these are projects with specific timetables, guaranteed resources and constant accountability to citizens. As he pointed out, most of the programming for the period 2024-2028 has already been launched, while almost 60% of the programme’s flood protection projects (55 projects and nine interventions) are in the implementation phase.
Completing his speech, Mr.Hardalias announced the public account of the Region’s work in mid-July, stressing that the Region’s administration remains committed to its commitments to citizens. “We will present projects, actions and programmes that prove that we keep our word and put our commitments into practice. We are changing Attica with work, we are laying strong foundations for a greener, more sustainable, more resilient, more human Attica,” the Regional Governor concluded.
