MP Zeybek brings Old Town issues in İskeçe to Parliament Agenda
MP Hüseyin Zeybek of the New Left Party has raised the long-standing structural problems of residents living in the Old Town of İskeçe in the Greek Parliament, calling for urgent state intervention and targeted policy measures.
Structural Problems Under Parliamentary Scrutiny
In a formal parliamentary question submitted to relevant ministries, Zeybek emphasized that preserving the historical character of the Old Town is a public responsibility, but stressed that current policies place significant economic, administrative, and daily burdens on residents.
He noted that citizens living in the area face clear inequality compared to other parts of the city.
Infrastructure and Quality of Life Concerns
Zeybek highlighted a range of long-standing issues affecting daily life in the district, including:
- Bureaucratic obstacles in maintenance and restoration of historic buildings
- Declining permanent residency due to deteriorating living conditions
- Traffic congestion and severe parking shortages
- Limited access to modern infrastructure such as fiber internet, natural gas, and upgraded energy systems
He also warned that abandoned and structurally unsafe buildings pose growing public safety risks.
Call for Targeted Government Action
The MP called on the government to implement a comprehensive support framework, including:
- Special incentives and tax reductions for restoration works
- Faster administrative procedures for building permits and renovations
- Infrastructure investments tailored to the Old Town’s needs
- Social and economic support measures for residents
- Creation of dedicated parking solutions and improved digital connectivity
Zeybek stressed that heritage preservation should not come at the cost of residents’ quality of life.
“Protecting historical heritage must be approached in a way that ensures a sustainable living environment, not one that forces residents into hardship,” he said.
Broader Debate on Heritage and Urban Policy
The initiative adds to ongoing debates in Greece about balancing cultural heritage protection with modern urban development, particularly in historically significant districts such as the Old Town of Xanthi.
