Event by the “Alexandros Baltatzis” Foundation features political undertones and references to farmers’
The “Alexandros Baltatzis” Foundation — established and funded by the SEKE – The Grecials Group — held its annual event today with the presence of the Group’s president and former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis. During the ceremony, eight sponsorships were awarded to institutions and organizations in İskeçe:
General Hospital of İskeçe: €50,180
1st General Lyceum of İskeçe: €10,000 for students’ participation in the World School Chess Championship
1st General Lyceum of İskeçe: €5,500 for the F1 team “ORAMA” to compete in the Global Competition in Singapore
Riddle Festival: €5,000
FEX (İskeçe Cultural Association): €3,600 for part of the annual salary of a specialist director responsible for certifying the İskeçe Folklore Museum
Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius: €2,500 for creating a faithful replica of the miraculous “Axion Esti” icon and part of the shrine’s construction
İskeçe Blood Donors Association: €1,800 for expenses related to the Amphictyony event hosted in İskeçe
Avdira General Lyceum: €1,800 for a defibrillator and participation in the CPR skills competition in Selanik
The event was presented by well-known İskeçe journalist Iordanis Hasapopoulos.
Officials and Speakers
A video introducing SEKE, The Grecials, and this year’s contributions opened the program. Greetings followed from:
- Metropolitan Panteleimon of İskeçe and Peritheorion
- MP Spyros Tsilingiris
- Mayor Stratos Kontos
- Deputy Regional Governor Polyxeni Brika
Speeches were then delivered by:
- Panagiotis Sgouridis, President of the “Alexandros Baltatzis” Foundation
- Alexandros Kontos, CEO of SEKE
- Kostas Karamanlis, President of the Group and former Prime Minister
- References to Farmers’ Roadblocks and Broader Agricultural Issues
The speeches included notable references to the ongoing farmers’ blockades, recent scandals involving agricultural subsidies allegedly mishandled by intermediaries (OPKEKEPE), and the need for a targeted agricultural policy to prevent further demographic decline in rural Greece.
Speakers also highlighted the legacy of Alexandros Baltatzis and the strong social footprint of SEKE – The Grecials, reflected both in the Group’s economic performance for 2024–2025 and its ongoing support for local society.
Addressing the challenges facing farmers, Karamanlis stressed:
“We must be particularly sensitive and receptive toward Greek farmers and livestock breeders — to listen to their voices and understand their concerns,”
adding that the “looming desertification of the countryside constitutes a major national threat.”
A Musical Finale
The event concluded with a surprise performance featuring Loudovikos ton Anogeion and İskeçe-born sisters Eleni and Suzanna Vougioukli.
A full report will follow soon on thraki.com.gr and in the newspaper “Θ”.
