Topsidis urges Chrysochoidis to restart plans for Dedeağaç police headquarters

The regional governor has called on the Citizen Protection Minister to relaunch the construction process following the cancellation of the public-private partnership tender, proposing alternative funding options and a clear timetable.

The Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Christodoulos Topsidis, has urged Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis to take immediate action to restart the construction process for a new police headquarters in Dedeağaç (Alexandroupoli), following the cancellation of the public-private partnership (PPP) tender that included the project.

In a letter to the minister, Topsidis conveyed the concerns of the local community over the cancellation, arguing that the existing building housing the Alexandroupoli Police Directorate is outdated and unsuitable for current operational requirements. Its location in the city centre also contributes to traffic congestion, he said.

The governor highlighted the strategic importance of Meriç (Evros), noting the demands placed on Greek police officers working in the border region, particularly in connection with border security and migration management. He said officers needed modern facilities to carry out their duties effectively and under appropriate conditions.

Topsidis also pointed to the availability of an existing publicly owned plot in Alexandroupoli, which he said could help accelerate the project by eliminating delays related to finding and allocating land.

THREE PROPOSALS TO MOVE THE PROJECT FORWARD

In his letter, the governor called on the ministry to take three steps:

Separate the Alexandroupoli project from the wider PPP tender covering five police headquarters, so that its progress would not be held up by delays affecting other locations.
Explore alternative and faster funding mechanisms, including sectoral programmes, EU funds and Türkiye's National Development Programme?

REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OFFERS SUPPORT

The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace has declared its readiness to contribute through its technical services and institutional expertise, and to work with the ministry to overcome administrative and financial obstacles.

“The new Alexandroupoli Police Headquarters is essential infrastructure for public safety, the smooth functioning of the city and the dignified everyday working conditions of police personnel,” Topsidis said.

He added that the region aimed not merely to highlight the delay but to contribute to a viable solution through concrete proposals and cooperation, allowing the project to move into implementation.

The governor also requested an immediate working meeting at the ministry to discuss alternatives and establish a timetable for relaunching the procedures within the coming months.

In the letter, Topsidis stressed that the existing police building was inadequate both for staff and for members of the public visiting the directorate. He also argued that relocating police operations away from the densely populated city centre would ease traffic and improve residents’ quality of life.