Athens Mayor & Protection Minister Sign Security Memorandum

Last year's controversial government decision to abolish the municipal police forces all over the country, left municipalities all but crippled in their fight against everyday crimes. From thefts to traffic violations, city streets were all but defenseless.

Today's agreement between the mayor of Athens and Public Order minister was necessary for the city safety, which has suffered, seeing crime levels dangerously rise in the past year.

The memorandum provides for constant communication between the municipal authority and police, setting common goals and actions and conducting intensive inspections by joint crews to curb illicit trade.

“Athens has improved in the past year as regards the reduced crime rate, but on issues of orderliness, like illegal parking, things have gotten worse,” Mayor Kaminis said, noting that one year after the abolition of municipal police the picture is disappointing. “Under these conditions, I am amazed that I was re-elected,” he underlined.

Dendias said that the situation in downtown Athens has improved compared with 2012 and noted that the memorandum of cooperation aspires to solve existing problems to improve people's daily lives. He added that with Kaminis they will discuss how small street protests can be handled to ensure that the center of Athens will not be closed off as a result of demonstrations.