Delphi Forum – Bakoyannis: Two out of five residents left Athens

The Mayor of Athens, Costas Bakoyannis, at the Delphi Economic Forum. Designing a sustainable city

“Athens must change and can no longer be the poor relatιοn,” Athens Mayor Costas Bakogiannis told Ta Nea and SKAI journalist Pavlos Tsimas during a discussion at the Delphi Forum.

The Mayor of Athens claimed that the capital, in addition to the economic and health crisis, also went through an urban crisis after 2 out of 5 residents left it in recent years. “Let the crisis not become an alibi for Athens to lose another generation,” he added.

Referring to the climate crisis, he stressed that it is an international challenge that requires local solutions. Mr. Bakoyannis also spoke about the major projects that are underway, such as the Double Regeneration and the new stadium of Panathinaikos in Votanikos, which will be tendered in 2021 in order for construction to begin in about a year.

When asked about the Grand Promenade, the Mayor of Athens briefly presented the benefits that emerged for sustainable mobility and the environment. Specifically, he noted that in the last year on Panepistimiou Street there was a reduction of carbon dioxide by 27%.

“We have multiplied the budget of the Municipality for green works”, said Mr. Bakoyannis, adding that a few days ago a partnership was started with a private individual and immediately there will be a big difference in the city. He also referred to other projects being carried out in the same direction, such as the energy upgrades of buildings and the replacement of the 47,000 municipal lights with new technology that will offer great energy and economic benefits.

Renewing the appointment for the next Economic Forum, the Mayor of Athens promised that next year at this time there will be a lot of dust because many construction sites will be working, but these projects will change the neighborhoods and that is ultimately what counts.