İskeçe MP Burhan Baran calls for reversal of ELTA branch closures
Independent Member of Parliament for İskeçe, Burhan Baran, has urged the Greek government to reconsider the decision to close down Hellenic Post (ELTA) branches in the villages of Yeniköy (Stavroupoli) and İnhanlı (Evlalon), warning that the move will disproportionately affect local residents, particularly the elderly.
In a parliamentary question submitted to Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou, Baran emphasized that the ELTA management’s decision has caused serious concern and discontent among the local population.
He stressed that residents — especially senior citizens and those with limited mobility — rely heavily on nearby postal branches for essential postal and financial services.
“Maintaining postal services in remote and mountainous areas is vital for ensuring citizens’ equal access to public services and for preserving social cohesion,” Baran stated.
Questions to the Government
MP Baran asked the government to clarify the following:
- What are the reasons behind the closure of the ELTA branches
- Were alternatives such as reduced operating hours, mobile postal units, or alternative service points considered?
- Is there any plan to reverse the closure decision?
- What measures will be taken to ensure that elderly and disabled citizens continue to have access to essential services?
Baran underlined that ELTA’s presence in rural areas is not limited to delivering mail but also contributes to social solidarity and community well-being.
“The closure of the Yeniköy and İnhanlı branches is not just an administrative decision — it creates a humanitarian problem,” he warned.
