Protest rally by elected logal government staff takes place in central Athens
A protest rally was held by mayors and other elected officials of local governments from Greece outside Parliament on Tuesday, the day parties were expected to vote for the 2026 state budget.
The action was part of a symbolic shutdown of municipalities and the result of a decision by the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE) under the motto "Financially strong cities, consistently standing by citizens", calling for greater funding to cities.
As part of the action, KEDE's Executive Committee met successively with Parliament President Nikitas Kaklamanis and representatives of parties in Parliament. "Local government is not requesting privileges. It requests the funding it is entitled to, in order to carry out its constitutionally established responsibilities and to support citizens in practical ways," KEDE President Lazaros Kyrizoglou said.
He also noted that without a substantial administrative and economic self-sufficiency at municipalities, no reform can be sustainable, while he also noted that the 2026 state budget does not take into account the real needs of local government.
AMNA
