Zeybek criticizes Mitsotakis over unresolved issues in İskeçe and Thrace
Former SYRIZA MP Hüseyin Zeybek has sharply criticized Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis over what he described as a failure to address longstanding problems in İskeçe and across Thrace.
In a statement issued following Mitsotakis' speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair, Zeybek accused the government of overlooking a series of infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic challenges facing the region.
Zeybek argued that İskeçe and much of Thrace have effectively been subjected to a prolonged railway isolation since 2019. He also criticized the state of public healthcare in the region, claiming that İskeçe General Hospital has operated without an intensive care unit for years and faces other significant staffing and infrastructure shortages.
Concerns over schools and education
Education was another major issue raised by Zeybek. He claimed that schools in İskeçe have been downsized, downgraded or merged, while pointing specifically to the problems surrounding the city's 2nd and 3rd Junior High Schools.
According to Zeybek, approximately 600 students are seeking alternative facilities because of concerns over the structural adequacy of the school building ahead of the new academic year.
He also criticized the facilities of the Minority Junior High School and High School in İskeçe and called for the construction of a new Music School in the prefecture.
Healthcare and infrastructure concerns
Zeybek further highlighted the lack of ambulance coverage along the coastal area, including Fanari, which attracts large numbers of residents and visitors from İskeçe and Gümülcine during the summer.
He also referred to the long-delayed restoration of a bridge on the İskeçe–Stavroupoli road, describing the project as a modern-day "Bridge of Arta" because of the years it has reportedly remained unresolved.
The former MP also criticized the government's handling of European Recovery and Resilience Fund resources, arguing that small and medium-sized businesses in İskeçe and Thrace were unable to benefit sufficiently from the available funding.
Railway, postal services and agriculture
Another issue raised was the cancellation of the planned Nea Karvali–Toxotes railway connection. Zeybek described the decision as another example of what he characterized as the government's ineffective state management.
He also referred to the future of Hellenic Post (ELTA) branches in İskeçe, claiming that their potential closure would have further weakened public services in the region.
Agriculture and livestock farming were also central to his criticism. Zeybek said farmers and livestock producers, particularly in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and İskeçe, had suffered significant losses from animal diseases and accused the government of failing to provide an adequate response.
Meriç reconstruction and rising living costs
Zeybek additionally raised concerns over the government's reconstruction strategy for Meriç following the devastating wildfires of 2023. He cited criticism from the former head of the Meriç Reconstruction Committee, who reportedly resigned after describing the government's reconstruction plan as an "empty shirt."
Finally, Zeybek criticized the government over the rising cost of fuel, energy and supermarket goods, arguing that inflation continues to put pressure on households in İskeçe.
"İskeçe and Thrace as a whole have nothing to expect from today's New Democracy government," Zeybek said in his statement, adding that he believes voters will ultimately respond at the ballot box.
The comments come as the government faces continued scrutiny over regional development, public services, infrastructure and the cost of living in northern Greece.
