Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament meets with the Central Union of Greek Municipalities (KEDE)
The Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, welcomed to his office the President of the Central Union of Greek Municipalities (KEDE), Lazaros Kyrizoglou, Mayor of Ampelokipoi–Menemeni, along with members of KEDE’s Executive Board.
During the meeting, Mr. Kyrizoglou presented the Speaker with the resolution adopted at KEDE’s Annual Regular Conference, held in Dedeağaç. The resolution outlines the positions and key demands of municipalities across Greece, with emphasis on the functioning of first-tier local government, financing, cooperation with central administration, and the need for institutional reforms that strengthen the daily work of municipalities.
Mr. Kaklamanis expressed his pleasure at receiving the delegation, stressing that he has always regarded local government officials as his “colleagues.” He noted that it was an honour for Parliament that KEDE takes the initiative to brief the legislature through its Speaker. He added:
“Although the Speaker of Parliament does not have executive powers, he does possess strong institutional capabilities, which I intend to use to the fullest.”
Referring to the issues raised by the mayors, he highlighted that he needed no convincing, as he fully understands the challenges they face from his own experience as Mayor of Athens. He assured the delegation that he would brief the Conference of Presidents of Parliament on the matter, expressing confidence that he would receive unanimous authorisation to proceed with certain actions. Concluding, he invited local officials to “consider Parliament their second home.”
Taking the floor, Mr. Kyrizoglou underlined that KEDE’s Executive Committee is carrying out its institutional visits ahead of the discussion and approval of the 2026 state budget. He remarked that the delegation felt “in a familiar environment,” speaking with someone who “understands us—a fellow local government official.” He drew particular attention to the heavy operational costs faced by municipalities, stressing that these concerns are directly linked to the national budget process. He closed by thanking the Speaker for “his warm welcome and his understanding of our problems.”
The meeting took place in a particularly positive and constructive atmosphere, confirming the strong and ongoing cooperation between the Hellenic Parliament and local government authorities.
Participants
Lazaros Kyrizoglou, President of KEDE – Mayor of Ampelokipoi–Menemeni
Grigoris Konstantellos, First Vice President of KEDE – Mayor of Vari–Voula–Vouliagmeni
Members of the KEDE Board:
Theodoros Abatzoglou, Mayor of Marousi
Simos Daniilidis, Mayor of Neapoli–Sykies
Eleftherios Raviolos, Mayor of Karystos
Vasileios Tsiakos, Mayor of Karditsa
Konstantinos Zachariadis, Athens City Councillor
Evangelos Barbakos, Kallithea City Councillor
Christos Tentomas, Athens City Councillor
