Bakoyannis Reflects on Athens Projects, Terrorism, and Toxic Politics

Former Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis has offered a candid assessment of pressing issues in Greece, speaking in a revealing interview with Katerina Panagopoulou.

Bakoyannis acknowledged that his signature "Great Walk" project caused public inconvenience. He also directly addressed his ongoing dispute with his successor, Haris Doukas, the current mayor of Athens.

The interview delved into more sensitive territory as Bakoyannis recounted the assassination of his father, Pavlos Bakoyannis, by the terrorist group November 17. He described learning of the news as a child on a school bus and spoke of his enduring anger and trauma, particularly when encountering public statements from Dimitris Kufontinas, one of the perpetrators.

He characterized the current political atmosphere as "unbearably toxic," criticizing the rhetoric prevalent in public discourse, especially following the tragic train crash in Tempi. Bakoyannis also touched upon his personal life, including his relationship with Sia Kosioni, his children, and his struggles with dyslexia, admitting he was a "very angry child" after his father's murder.