MP Hüseyin Zeybek criticizes lack of development strategy for İskeçe
Hüseyin Zeybek, a member of parliament from the New Left Party Greece representing İskeçe, has sharply criticized the Greek government for what he describes as the absence of a comprehensive development strategy for the region.
In a written statement, Zeybek argued that official responses by various ministries to parliamentary inquiries reveal a fragmented and insufficient approach to addressing Xanthi’s long-standing economic challenges.
“No Coherent Vision for Regional Growth”
According to Zeybek, İskeçe has faced years of economic decline, weakening production infrastructure, youth outmigration, rural depopulation, and low income levels. However, the government’s responses, he said, remain limited to small-scale initiatives, general policy frameworks, and administrative adjustments.
“What the region needs is not scattered and temporary measures, but a strong development strategy centered on production, employment, and infrastructure,” Zeybek stated.
No Dedicated Funding Priority
The MP also pointed to the lack of targeted funding under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, noting that the government has effectively acknowledged that no specific allocation has been made for İskeçe. This, he argued, demonstrates the absence of prioritization for the region at the national level.
References to projects such as the Nestos (Karasu) irrigation initiative and certain university or research investments were described as insufficient and lacking a transformative development framework.
Key Infrastructure and Investment Gaps
Zeybek further highlighted the absence of clear timelines or implementation plans in several critical areas, including:
- Road connectivity between Xanthi and Bulgaria
- Railway infrastructure development
- Expansion of hospital capacity
- Investment in education
- Cross-border cooperation projects
Creation of a technology and research ecosystem around Democritus University of Thrace
He stressed that without concrete planning, these proposals remain rhetorical rather than actionable.
“Equal Development, Not Privilege”
Zeybek concluded that while the government frequently references İskeçe in political discourse, tangible steps to boost investment, production, and employment remain limited. He emphasized that residents are not seeking preferential treatment, but rather equal access to development opportunities.
“The people of İskeçe need a comprehensive, well-funded, and time-bound development plan—not small projects and vague promises,” he said, adding that treating the region as “second-class” is unacceptable.
