Athens Municipality in Political Clash Over 75 Million Euro Loan for Schools

A political clash has ignited within the Athens Municipality concerning a proposed 75 million euro loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The loan is presented by the current administration as necessary for upgrading the city's school infrastructure.

However, the opposition, led by the faction of Kostas Bakoyannis, criticizes the decision as sudden and labels the loan a "mammoth" sum, suggesting the school upgrade is merely a facade. Bakoyannis's faction argues that the current administration, led by Haris Doukas, is essentially requesting a "blank check" without sufficient justification. They question why existing funding tools were not utilized first.

The opposition points out that this proposed loan significantly exceeds the municipality's current outstanding debt, which stands at approximately 65 million euros. They warn that this single decision could more than double the city's total borrowing, creating a financial obligation for Athenians extending to 2046.

In contrast, the previous municipal authority stated it invested over 57 million euros in school infrastructure without incurring new debt. They claim to have left behind mature projects, active contracts, and available European funding amounting to about 14 million euros, which they assert the current administration has left unutilized.

Mayor Haris Doukas defended the EIB loan as a "historic decision," emphasizing that it secures 75 million euros over five years to repair schools he described as being in "terrible condition" under the previous administration. He stated that his administration is taking responsibility for public schools, an area he feels the national government has neglected. Doukas noted that his faction, "Athens Now," and "Open City" supported the proposal, while the Communist Party abstained, and Bakoyannis's faction and right-wing councilors voted against it. He suggested that those who voted against the loan should explain their stance to students, parents, and teachers.