Christos Metios criticizes flood control and road projects in Rhodope, questions €56M project pipeline
Speaking as head of the “New Regional Renaissance” faction, Metios drew a clear line between the previous and current administrations of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, arguing that the positive absorption rates of the EU’s Structural Funds (ESPA) largely stem from projects initiated before the end of 2023.
Dispute Over ESPA Performance and Public Procurement
Metios rejected claims that he questioned official data from Greece’s Ministry of Finance regarding ESPA performance. Instead, he argued that the favorable image reflects ongoing projects handed over by his administration.
“The inclusion of all continuing projects into the new ESPA framework was completed during your first year in office,” he said, accusing the current leadership of claiming credit for previously launched initiatives.
He also raised pointed questions about a €29 million tender concerning food supplies for vulnerable citizens, citing what he described as unusually high unit prices — including feta cheese priced at €19 per kilo (excluding VAT). Even if such pricing were requested by the Ministry, he argued, the regional authority should have rejected excessive costs.
“Why did you accept these prices?” he asked, further questioning allocations of €1.5 million for ready-made meals and €465,000 for pepper supplies.
€56 Million in Projects Under Scrutiny
Metios submitted to the council a detailed table of 31 projects totaling €56 million, which he had previously made public in late 2023. According to him, these projects were either under construction or in the tendering phase when his administration ended.
He argued that newly initiated projects under the current administration amount to only €400,000 in 2024 (already implemented) and €6 million in 2025 (currently under tender), reinforcing his claim that most progress stems from inherited projects.
Flood Protection: Lissos River and Key Interventions
With seven years of experience as Regional Governor, Metios emphasized the importance of comprehensive flood protection planning, particularly concerning the Lissos River, the largest river in the Rodopi regional unit.
He highlighted recurring flood risks in low-lying areas such as Amaranta, Lofario, and parts of the Maroneia–Sapes municipality. He criticized the current administration for canceling a study concerning the eastern section of Rodopi — a study that would have identified necessary additional infrastructure works.
The discontinued study had proposed a bridge near Agia Marina. The current administration is reportedly considering an Irish crossing-type solution instead, despite previously raised concerns.
Metios also called for securing €6.6 million in funding for clearing and maintenance works on the Vosvozis and Trelocheimarros rivers, which surround Komotini and pose flood risks to the city.
Additionally, he criticized the cancellation of funding for pumping stations in the Kallisti area, despite allocated credits being available at the time.
University Campus–Arrina Road and Pending River Crossings
The University Campus–Gümülcine road crosses six rivers. Under Metios’ administration, four crossings were addressed — three Irish-type crossings and one bridge at Kozlukebir.
However, two crossings remain pending due to contractor appeals: one at the Vosvozis River north of Gümülcine and another at Pontikorremma beyond Kozlukebir.
“These projects must move forward,” he stressed, urging acceleration of critical infrastructure works to safeguard public safety and regional development.
Political Accountability Ahead of Fire and Flood Seasons
The debate underscores growing political tension in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace over infrastructure delivery, EU fund management, and disaster resilience. With climate-related risks intensifying across Greece, timely implementation of flood control and road projects remains central to both public safety and regional economic stability.
