Decisions for Athens city center

The cabinet is in session today,  with the participation of Attica Prefect Mr. George Sgouros and Athens Mayor George Kaminis. The topic of the session is the situation plaguing the center of Athens, and the government’s worry about two citizens injured during two separate incidents.

According to all information, a comprehensive plan will be presented by the Government in order to address both the immigration problem and crime. Two weeks ago, the PM had called for a meeting in his parliament office in order to look the issue over, with ministers attending.

After recent events, but also due to polls published in the media, the government has concluded that the police must act decisively. The big challenge is the safety of people living in the center.

Opinion polls have been studied by government officials, who have found that a lack of police activity, but also an abundance of police brutality, have made residents of Athens indignant.

Thus, Christos Papoutsis will take the floor today and is expected to announce several initiatives. From then onwards, Anna Diamantopoulou, George Papakonstantinou, Tina Birbili and Andreas Loverdos will speak on issues relating to their respective responsibilities.

The plan will include projects for the unification of archaeological sites, the removal of immigrants from buildings they have occupied, a programme for the advantageous use of derelict buildings - which exceed 500, initiatives to motivate young couples and new businessmen to return to the center, a general cleanup of Theatre Plaza, the relocation of the local food bank and the removal of abandoned cars.

Finally, Education Minister Anna Diamantopoulou will reintroduce her proposal, drawn up in 2007, which includes the “green” school”, the “green” roof, the modernization of OKANA etc.