In a unanimous decision by KEDE, municipalities across the country will symbolically close their services on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the day the state budget is voted on. This action aims to protest against what municipalities describe as unconstitutional underfunding, the assignment of responsibilities without necessary resources, and the institutional and financial strangulation of local authorities.
North Corfu Joins Nationwide Mobilization
The North Corfu Municipality and its Municipal Water and Sewerage Company (DEYAVK) are participating in this pan-Hellenic mobilization, closing their municipal services tomorrow. This decision underscores their solidarity with other municipalities in denouncing the ongoing financial and operational challenges faced by local government bodies.
Mayor and Deputy Mayor to Attend Athens Protest
On the same day, at 12:00 PM, the Mayor of North Corfu, George Macheimaris, and Deputy Mayor Nikos Cheirdaris, will join representatives from all municipalities nationwide in a large protest rally outside the Parliament in Athens. This collective demonstration aims to highlight the critical issues affecting local self-government and demand immediate action from the central government.
Deepening Crisis in Local Government
In recent years, the institutional, financial, and operational strangulation of local government has intensified. Responsibilities and resources are being stripped from municipalities, leaving understaffed services struggling to meet public needs. The operational costs have soared, and Greece significantly lags behind European standards for local government organization.
Local authorities are increasingly unable to function effectively without adequate resources, personnel, clear responsibilities, and respect for their crucial role. The continuous underfunding, understaffing, and systematic weakening of local government directly undermine its capacity to provide essential services to citizens.
North Corfu’s Commitment to Citizens
The North Corfu Municipality remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for a local government that stands by its citizens and defends its institutional role. This includes tirelessly working towards a more sustainable and effective framework for local self-government, ensuring that communities receive the support and services they need and deserve.
This protest marks a critical moment for local authorities in Greece, as they collectively voice their concerns and demand a fundamental shift in how central government interacts with and supports local municipalities. The outcome of these protests and the subsequent response from the government will be closely watched by citizens and local officials alike, as the future of local services hangs in the balance.
The closure of services, while symbolic, is a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the viability and effectiveness of local government in Greece.
Source: https://www.startmediacorfu.gr/kleistes-avrio-oles-oi-dimotikes-ypiresies-kai-deva-tou-dimou-voreias-kerkyras/
