MP Burhan Baran denounces discrimination against İskeçe Region in firewood allocation
Independent MP for İskeçe, Burhan Baran, has raised concerns in the Hellenic Parliament regarding alleged discriminatory practices in the distribution of firewood to residents of mountainous and forested areas—specifically pointing to unequal treatment of the İskeçe region.
Baran submitted a formal question to the Ministry of Environment and Energy, highlighting a recent decision from July 2025 in which the Drama Forest Directorate received an allocation of €700,000, while the Xanthi Forest Directorate, despite having similar needs, was entirely excluded.
The MP emphasized that in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, firewood is not a luxury but a basic necessity, particularly for vulnerable communities living in high-altitude villages.
Baran’s Written Statement:
“While residents of Drama’s Paranesti municipality receive firewood on time and free of charge, residents of Mustafchova in İskeçe must pay for it and receive smaller quantities. Many of these citizens live at altitudes above 700 meters and belong to socially vulnerable groups.
Due to the lack of funding, the İskeçe Forest Directorate has had to reduce the amount of firewood per household and limit cutting operations. This has led to public discontent, energy poverty, and unequal access to services for the permanent population in mountainous areas.”
MP Baran posed the following questions to the Minister:
- Why was the İskeçe Forest Directorate excluded from the latest firewood assistance allocation?
- Is there a plan to allocate an equivalent or similar budget to the İskeçe region to ensure equal treatment?
- Will the Ministry consider redistributing funds or providing an additional budget to meet the urgent heating needs of mountainous settlements in İskeçe?
- What measures will be taken to eliminate such discriminatory practices in state support between neighboring municipalities with similar needs?
Baran called on the government to ensure fair and equal support for all regions, particularly those facing harsh climatic and economic conditions.
