Zeybek criticizes government over rural development: “You create the illusion of investment”
Greek MP Hüseyin Zeybek of the New Left Party delivered a scathing critique of the government during a parliamentary session on the Development Law, accusing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ administration of neglecting Northern Greece and misleading the public about rural investments.
Zeybek, who represents Xanthi, highlighted that proposals submitted by the Thrace Development Commission have not been implemented. He accused the New Democracy government of promoting ambitious legislation without delivering concrete results.
“Official data shows that under this government, Greeks rank second to last in the EU in terms of purchasing power. Meanwhile, you pretend everything is fine in rural areas,” Zeybek stated.
Key Infrastructure Projects Abandoned
As an example, Zeybek cited the suspension of a critical regional infrastructure project: the Elmalı–Demircik bypass along the Xanthi–Shahin–Bulgaria vertical axis. “This project, vital for local development, was inherited with €40 million in guaranteed funding in 2019 but is now fully abandoned,” he said.
He went on to criticize the 2022 Development Law as ineffective, noting that none of the announced investment regimes have materialized. “Since 2022, not a single euro has been invested,” he claimed.
Disadvantaging Small Businesses
Zeybek also warned that current policies favor large corporations at the expense of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which he called “the backbone of the economy.” He accused the government of following the Pissarides Plan, which he says pushes smaller firms into closure.
Infrastructure, Healthcare, and Education Failures
“Can you talk about development while Thrace has had no rail connection for five years?” Zeybek asked, further criticizing the neglect of customs, ports, healthcare, and education infrastructure. He emphasized that schools in Xanthi are closing, public daycare is insufficient, and municipal departments are understaffed.
He also questioned the sincerity of the government’s promise to address regional inequality and demographic decline. “What concrete projects from the Recovery Fund can you show in Xanthi?” he challenged.
Skepticism Over Government Celebrations
Zeybek expressed skepticism toward planned celebrations led by Dora Bakoyannis for regional development, calling them superficial. “The people of Xanthi are right to keep their expectations low,” he said.
Opposition to Mining and Environmental Degradation
He ended his remarks by firmly opposing controversial mining projects in the region and plans to turn the Thracian Sea into a carbon dioxide waste zone.
“If your idea of development includes Eldorado Gold’s mining operations or turning Thasos and the Thracian Sea into a dumping ground for CO₂, rest assured: local communities and civil society will resist.”
