İskeçe MP Zeybek calls for alliance of left-wing and progressive forces against government

In a statement published on August 7, Zeybek criticized recent government legislation concerning culture and water management, arguing that the measures would increase private-sector influence over areas he described as essential public assets.

Criticism over culture and water legislation

Zeybek claimed that the New Democracy government had used the final days before the summer parliamentary recess to pass two bills that, in his view, could have long-term consequences for the country.

The first bill concerns the establishment of “Hellenic Heritage S.A.”, a state-owned company that would manage assets, activities and revenues linked to the Ministry of Culture, including income generated from visits to monuments and museums.

Zeybek argued that transferring cultural management responsibilities to a corporate structure could lead to the commercialization of Greece’s cultural heritage.

The second bill, related to the Ministry of Environment and Energy, concerns expanding the responsibilities of water companies EYDAP and EYATH in the management of water services. Zeybek claimed the move could eventually pave the way for water privatization.

Call for political cooperation

The İskeçe MP argued that water should remain a public good rather than become subject to corporate management and profit-based approaches.

He also criticized the government’s approach to archaeological sites and cultural spaces, claiming that commercial activities were being prioritized over historical and public value.

Calling the current government’s policies a broader political pattern, Zeybek said the response should be the “cooperation and coordination of left-wing and progressive forces” around a common program focused on reforms and political change.

Zeybek represents İskeçe in the Greek Parliament and is a member of the opposition SYRIZA party.