Significant shift at KEDE: ND loses ground
The KEDE (Central Union of Municipalities of Greece) Congress revealed growing dissatisfaction with the government’s policies, exposing the frustration of municipalities across Greece following repeated decisions by Maximos Mansion to limit local government powers, leading to multiple deadlocks.
The majority proposal passed by a narrow margin of 92 to 89 votes, highlighting a significant decline in the influence of New Democracy (ND). The faction “Local Government Now”, led by Haris Doukas, directly challenged the “blue” ND bloc, reshaping the balance of power. Doukas’ proposal to formally condemn government policies fell short by just three votes.
For context, the ND-aligned Kyrizoglou faction had previously held a 66% majority in the 2024 KEDE board elections, compared to 30% for Local Government Now, which unites progressive forces. That dynamic has now been decisively overturned.
Statement from Local Government Now:
“Our faction, Local Government Now, led by Haris Doukas, submitted a resolution to the KEDE Congress condemning government policies that lead municipalities into deadlock, and proposing specific measures to advance local government demands aimed at improving citizens’ lives.
Ultimately, the Congress approved the majority’s proposal by a slim margin of 92 to 89 votes, a resolution limited to the usual platitudes of ND-aligned mayors.
Considering the 66%–30% split in the previous KEDE elections, it is clear that our political message is increasingly resonating with local government officials, producing tangible results and demonstrating a dramatic shift in the balance of power.
It also reflects growing disapproval of government policies and the importance of broader cooperation among progressive forces.
It is unacceptable that the KEDE majority used every procedural maneuver to pass its ND-friendly resolution, even by the smallest majority.
Serious complaints have come to our attention and will be thoroughly examined. Given that the KKE faction received 10 votes, it is evident that the pro-government bloc has lost its majority at the Congress.
It is also regrettable that a few elected on progressive ballots once again sided with the pro-government faction in voting for its proposal.”
