In a recent meeting to discuss the 2023 financial report, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas criticized the previous administration for their poor handling of the municipality’s finances, calling it a “financial year to be avoided.” Former mayor Kostas Bakoyiannis, who was defeated in a runoff election, accused the current mayor of “pulling the handbrake.”
Despite the disagreements, the financial report for 2023 was approved by the city council. Doukas highlighted significant losses in municipal companies due to poor financial management, cash deficits, missed revenue opportunities, and unnecessary costs.
The report revealed a €1.7 million deficit in school committees, a €3.6 million loss by the Local Government Development Organization, and a €500,000 loss by Technopolis SA. Bakoyiannis, on the other hand, defended his tenure, citing increased revenues, surplus figures, healthy cash reserves, and a substantial investment plan from 2019 to 2023.
Despite the differences in opinions, the focus now shifts to improving financial management and planning for the future of Athens municipality.