Fierce political clash over road and flood control projects in Rhodope

A heated political confrontation erupted during a regional council session in Rhodope, as former and current officials exchanged sharp accusations over responsibility for road infrastructure and flood protection projects.

The debate followed an interpellation filed by the opposition faction “Nea Perifereiaki Anagennisi”, led by Christos Metios. The motion sought detailed updates on projects inherited by the new regional administration at the end of 2023 — including works under construction, under tender, or pending funding approval — as well as clarification on new initiatives launched over the past two years.

Projects Under Scrutiny
Metios highlighted key infrastructure works, including:

• The Kompsatos bridge reconstruction
• The Yalımlı-Yassıköy road
• Interventions along the University Campus–Arriena provincial road
• Flood control measures on the Lissos River
• Drainage and riverbed clearance operations, including works in the Traou stream

The opposition questioned both implementation timelines and the overall effectiveness of the current administration’s planning.

Sharp Response From the Current Administration
The response from the regional majority was forceful. Officials accused the previous leadership of “arrogance” and failing to properly implement projects they now claim credit for.

Particular criticism was directed at former officials over the rejection of certain flood protection programming by the Hellenic Court of Audit, which reportedly delayed projects following the devastating wildfires of August 2023. Similar objections were raised regarding pump station repairs in the Salpi area and works related to restoring the flow of the Lissos River.

Officials also argued that the Kompsatos bridge project — which collapsed in September 2017 — was only 5% complete when the new administration took over in January 2024 and is now nearing completion.

Infrastructure Timelines and Financial Disputes
According to the current administration:

• The Kosmio bridge has been completed in recent months.
• River cleaning projects were delayed due to procurement objections but proceeded through standard tender procedures, preventing major flooding despite heavy rainfall in recent weeks.
• A new tender for the Pontikorema–Vosvozi crossings has been finalized after the previous cancellation in 2023.
• Plans for the Agia Marina Imerou crossing were revised due to environmental constraints. Instead of a 240–400 meter bridge costing up to €18 million, authorities are now pursuing a modern Irish crossing solution estimated at €3 million.
• Officials emphasized cost efficiency and regulatory compliance as central to their revised planning strategy.

Development Vision Questioned
In his response, Nikos Tsalikidis accused the current administration of lacking a broader development vision for Rodopi. While acknowledging the importance of completing mature projects, he argued that long-term strategy, prevention planning, and forward-looking investment remain insufficient.

“The impressions do not last,” he said, insisting that each administration is ultimately judged by what it designs and leaves behind as a legacy.

Future Plans Announced
The regional majority outlined upcoming projects aimed at supporting economic and mobility growth, including:

• Completion of a cycling path from Kosmio to Gümülcine
• A new cycling route connecting Gümülicne to the university campus
• Continued reconstruction of the Yalımlı–Arabacıköy road
• Upgrades to the Maroneia–Imaret coastal road to accommodate increased traffic

Officials framed the program as part of a broader development pivot for Rhodope, emphasizing infrastructure resilience and economic activation.

The debate reflects broader tensions in regional governance across Greece, where infrastructure delivery, disaster preparedness, and EU-aligned funding mechanisms remain politically sensitive issues.