Zeybek questions government on income, investments, and projects for İskeçe
Hüseyin Zeybek, Member of Parliament for İskeçe and Agricultural Spokesperson for the New Left Party, has submitted a parliamentary question to the Ministries of Economy and Finance, Development, Infrastructure and Transport, and Rural Development and Food regarding the economic situation and development prospects of İskeçe (Xanthi).
Citing data from ELSTAT and Eurostat, Zeybek highlighted that İskeçe remains the poorest region in Greece and ranks among the lowest in the European Union in terms of per capita GDP and purchasing power.
Zeybek also noted the rapid emigration of young and productive residents, particularly abroad, emphasizing that much of the reported income in İskeçe is generated outside the region, often from employment in shipyards, shipping, or temporary and permanent work abroad.
The MP criticized the lack of significant public projects, private investments, and any strategy to attract large companies or foreign investors to the area. He stressed that development priorities remain heavily focused on Athens and a few economically strong regions, exacerbating nationwide inequalities.
According to Zeybek, the primary sector in İskeçe suffers from outdated infrastructure, absence of new programs, and a decline in rural labor due to subsidy losses, causing widespread depopulation in rural areas.
Zeybek also pointed out that key proposals from the Thrace Joint Development Commission concerning İskeçe remain unimplemented or lack a clear timeline. Among these proposals are:
The construction of a vertical road axis connecting İskeçe – Şahin – the Greece-Bulgaria border, vital for exports and regional connectivity.
Restoration and modernization of railway connections in the area, particularly for freight transport.
Establishment of a technology and research campus around the Democritus University Faculty of Engineering to drive innovation and entrepreneurship.
Promotion of cross-border cooperation, investment potential, and tourism appeal.
Revitalization and restructuring of agriculture and livestock production, especially in mountainous areas.
In his parliamentary question, Zeybek posed five key inquiries to the relevant ministries:
- What concrete measures are being taken to improve living standards and per capita income in İskeçe?
- Which major public projects are planned, and what is their timeline for implementation?
- What is the current status of the Thrace Joint Development Commission’s recommendations regarding İskeçe?
- What strategies and special incentives exist to attract private and foreign investment?
- How will youth emigration and the region’s reliance on income generated abroad be addressed?
Zeybek’s intervention highlights growing concern over İskeçe’s economic stagnation and the urgent need for targeted development policies.
