Mayors from across Greece demand greater power, role, and responsibility for local government at Dedeağaç Conference
The Annual Conference of the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (K.E.D.E.) began on Thursday morning, November 6, in Dedeağaç, attended by Minister of the Interior Theodoros Livanios, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Thanasis Kontogeorgis, Deputy Ministers of the Interior Vasileios Spanakis and Konstantinos Gioulekas (responsible for Macedonia–Thrace affairs), along with political representatives and local officials from across the country.
In his keynote address, K.E.D.E. President and Mayor of Ampelokipi–Menemeni, Lazaros Kyrizoglou, outlined the vision for the future of primary local government. He presented K.E.D.E.’s initiative for a “Strong Alliance of Responsibility” among local authorities, the central government, and civil society — emphasizing the need to restore public trust in institutions and take collective responsibility for building a better future for all citizens.
Welcoming the delegates, Metropolitan Anthimos highlighted the importance of Northern Greece, while Mayor of Dedeağaç Giannis Zampoukis, acting as host, stressed that “local government can — and must — be a driving force for development, solidarity, and progress in every neighborhood of our country.”
Christodoulos Topsidis, Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and representative of the Union of Greek Regions, also addressed the conference. He emphasized that local government should play an active role in shaping national development strategies, stating:
“Our country needs strong, productive, and participatory local governance — not as a mere institutional supplement or branch of the state, but as a true engine of governance and growth.”
He called for a transition from a “politics-centered to a citizen-centered system,” stressing accountability and citizen participation as core principles of modern governance.
Additional greetings were delivered by Savvas Michailidis, President of the Regional Association of Municipalities of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and Mayor of Nestos, and Evros MP Anastasios Dimoschakis.
Minister of the Interior Theodoros Livanios addressed issues such as staffing needs, resource utilization, and modernization of local administrations, followed by a series of interventions from participants. The conference will conclude on Saturday, November 8.
K.E.D.E. Board Meeting
A day earlier, the Board of Directors of K.E.D.E. met at the Dedeağaç City Council Hall as part of the conference proceedings.
During the session, President Lazaros Kyrizoglou briefed members on recent meetings of the Executive Committee with relevant ministries and the latest developments.
Regarding municipal water and sewerage companies (DEYAs), Kyrizoglou stated:
“There has been a commitment that the new Local Government Code will include a provision ensuring that DEYAs remain under municipal control, as well as free funding of €200 million. These are positive steps, but far from what we rightfully deserve. We will not stop — our struggle continues.”
K.E.D.E. also demanded the withdrawal of the draft law that would transfer traffic fine revenues (K.O.K.) away from municipalities and expressed opposition to the closure of Hellenic Post (ELTA) branches.
The conference placed particular emphasis on messages of unity and strategic focus for the future of local governance in Greece.
