The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, spoke for targeted moves regarding municipal fees, “zeroing them for the most vulnerable”, in the context of their interview with Nautemporiki TV.
“We will make some very targeted moves. In some cases some very small increases and some very large decreases, where there is the biggest problem, even zero fees. Of course, we do it with great effort and in a condition where we would like to have development possibilities. We choose, however, to make an even greater effort in municipal fees, keeping them stable, moderate, for many people, and zeroing in on the most vulnerable, so that we can breathe life into them,” he emphasized.
At the same time, the Mayor of Athens also referred to today’s strike, saying that it is “the requests are critical”, explaining that “it is very important to try and fight”: “I also went to the gathering and there were enough people. Of course, requests are critical. The very high precision, the profiteering, the energy cartels, the cost of living. It is also a big problem for us Mayors. For about 10 years there has been no regular recruitment, wages are very low. Many times we get contract workers and they leave because the basic salary is lower than the rent. For these reasons it is very important to try and fight, to have collective agreements, to increase the salary and to be able to have perspective conditions for the world of work”.
Waste management is a “failure story” for the country as a whole
Regarding waste management, Mr. Doukas characterized it as a “failure story”, a failure that burdens the country as a whole: “It is the “failure story”, the overall failure of the country. Because, throughout the rest of Europe, the Municipality is not only responsible for the collection but also for their management. Municipalities should normally be able to be waste management bodies as well, to reduce our footprint, have bonuses if we succeed and overall strengthen recycling. For example, in Athens we have built the Waste Transfer Station, a jewel, to reduce the volume, and we will put recycling systems there as well. But this is an action of a Municipality, we want to include other participants. The state must seriously look at how to proceed with the process, because otherwise the garbage has value, if we recycle it and if we use it for energy, composting, and other uses. Now we throw them away, we pay fines and we, the Municipalities, also charge our citizens with waste burial fees, because the fees the government imposes on us are exorbitant.”
He also spoke about the environmental upgrade of Athens, saying that “I am very happy, because on Monday we will announce a great energy action that concerns the energy poor, and it will be integrated into our approach to municipal fees, and it will be the first approach of this type in Europe. 2nd, we built an energy community, we have already installed solar panels in Serafio. We will utilize this energy for poor households and not only. And of course, we approach 4000 trees in tree planting. There is transparency, accountability with online applications so that anyone who wants to know where they have entered which places, which trees”
“The local administration must rise to the occasion”
Finally, he was also placed on the proposal of the Minister of the Interior for a new electoral system in the local self-government: “I think it was an attempt to move the conversation elsewhere and not to the fundamental, institutional, financial, operational aspects of the Municipalities. Let me remind you that 1.5 years ago Mr. Mitsotakis had described the system of election of Mayors as “long-winded”. At this moment, no one raised the issue of changing the electoral law, there was no such discussion, and I think you should ask the people, it is not their problem how to change the electoral law, but how we can do our job better to solve the problems. It was even said that, because the 2nd round is expensive financially, to cut the 2nd round. But are these approaches to democracy? Shall we economize on democracy, in an electoral process? And in the national elections we have a lot of abstention and the problem is not to confuse the electoral system and make it multiple choice, but to convince the people, who have many problems, that if they come to support an electoral process, the ones they will vote for, the people he votes for will have the power to implement them.
The snuffbox is that the self-government must rise to the occasion, answer to the citizens. That is why we want institutional power. At the moment, the constitutional imperative of autonomy remains incomplete. A big wave is needed for the reform of local self-government, and this is what we are asking for as municipal authorities.”
#Doukas #municipal #fees #vulnerable
**What are the key obstacles hindering municipalities, including Athens, from implementing successful waste management initiatives, and what specific policy changes at the national level could effectively empower local governments in this area?**
## World Today News Interview: Haris Doukas on Municipal Fees, Waste Management & Local Governance
**Intro:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we have a timely and insightful conversation with the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, about pressing issues facing the city and Greece as a whole. We’ll delve into the Mayor’s plans for municipal fee adjustments, his perspective on the country’s waste management system, and his thoughts on proposed changes to local electoral processes.
**Section 1: Navigating Economic Challenges: Municipal Fees & Supporting the Vulnerable**
* **Question 1:** Mr. Mayor, you’ve spoken about “targeted moves” regarding municipal fees, including potential “zeroing” for the most vulnerable. Can you elaborate on the criteria used to identify these individuals and the types of support being considered?
* **Question 2:** Balancing the need for revenue with the burdens on citizens is a delicate act. How do you envision this policy impacting the long-term financial sustainability of Athens and its ability to deliver essential services?
**Section 2: “A Failure Story”: Examining Greece’s Waste Management System**
* **Question 1:** You’ve described waste management as a “failure story” for Greece. What structural issues contribute to this situation, and how do you believe responsibility should be shared between municipalities and the national government?
* **Question 2:** You highlighted Athens’ Waste Transfer Station as a positive step. What other innovative solutions are you exploring to improve waste management practices in the city, and how can such initiatives be scaled up nationally?
**Section 3: Environmental Stewardship: Green Initiatives and Energy Poverty**
* **Question 1:** Athens is known for its rich history and culture. Your administration is focusing on environmental upgrades. How do you envision these initiatives contributing to a more sustainable and livable city for future generations?
* **Question 2:** You plan to launch an energy action program aimed at addressing energy poverty. How does this program address the systemic factors contributing to this issue, and what impact do you anticipate it will have on vulnerable households?
**Section 4: Strengthening Local Governance: Electoral Systems and Municipal Autonomy**
* **Question 1:** The Minister of the Interior proposed changes to the local electoral system. You’ve expressed reservations about this, advocating for a focus on addressing institutional and operational challenges facing municipalities. What specific reforms do you see as crucial to empower local governments and ensure their effectiveness?
* **Question 2:** You mentioned the need for greater institutional power for municipalities. What concrete steps can be taken to strengthen local autonomy and ensure that municipalities have the resources and decision-making authority necessary to effectively serve their citizens?
**Outro:**
We thank Mayor Doukas for sharing his valuable insights and vision for the future of Athens. His commitment to addressing key challenges through innovative solutions and empowered local governance offers a promising roadmap for the city and a valuable example for other municipalities to follow. We encourage our viewers to engage in this important conversation and share their thoughts on the issues discussed today.