Metios launches scathing critique of Topsidis over regional governance
Commenting on the administration’s performance review, Metios alleged that the current leadership has “appropriated projects” initiated under his tenure, while relying on emergency direct awards worth millions of euros that were later annulled by the Court of Audit. He also accused the administration of pursuing “communication games and paid awards” rather than substantive governance.
ESPA funding
Metios argued that the positive image of the current ESPA program stems largely from projects inherited from his administration. According to him, €316 million in ongoing projects were transferred into the new funding framework, alongside additional initiatives whose preparation had begun under his leadership.
He claimed that without these carry-over projects, the region would rank among the lowest nationwide in terms of new project approvals. He also noted that while the current administration celebrates a 130% overcommitment rate, his own had reached 180%, adding that the new €639 million ESPA envelope includes a €182 million increase secured during his term.
Technical program and direct awards
Metios criticized the removal of 43 projects from the 2023 Technical Program due to failure to tender them, raising concerns about delayed infrastructure works across all regional units.
He also referred to three emergency contracts in Evros worth €7 million for stream cleaning and road maintenance, awarded with discounts ranging from 1.31% to 5.55%. The contracts were ultimately annulled by the Court of Audit, resulting in delays of approximately 10 months.
Major road projects
The former governor emphasized that key infrastructure projects — including the Alexandroupoli–Ormenio vertical axis and sections of the Kavala–Drama road — were largely financed and advanced under previous administrations. He called on the current leadership to ensure the continuation of stalled projects, including the Xanthi–Bulgarian border axis, parts of which were de-listed following legal disputes.
Public health and agriculture
Metios described 2024 and 2025 as particularly problematic years for mosquito control, citing high levels of nuisance and West Nile virus cases.
He was especially critical of the handling of the 2024 sheep pox outbreak, which began in Evros and later spread across the region. According to Metios, delayed containment measures and late staffing decisions contributed to the culling of more than 156,000 animals by the end of 2025. He further questioned a €1.4 million direct award for animal disposal, noting that the formal contract was signed nearly a year after the project had already been completed.
“These practices raise serious concerns about the management of public funds and should be examined by the competent authorities,” he said.
Social support and tourism
Metios also accused the administration of leaving the region without a TEBA food assistance program for two years after a €29 million tender was annulled due to what he described as inflated pricing. He welcomed the subsequent decision to provide direct financial support to beneficiaries instead.
On tourism, he acknowledged positive national trends but argued that his administration had laid the strategic groundwork by allocating more than €4 million from ESPA funds for promotion. He criticized what he called excessive direct awards for costly events that prioritize short-term visibility over measurable impact.
Concluding his remarks, Metios said it was “deeply troubling” that, two years into its term, the regional administration “still does not understand what truly matters.”
