Filenews 22 June 2025 - by Androula Taramunda
One year after the implementation of the local government reform, the Minister of the Interior submits his own assessment and report.
In his interview with "F", Konstantinos Ioannou analyzes the problems that were identified from the beginning, due, among other things, to the non-adoption of the experts' studies on the mergers of municipalities, the inadequate preparation, but also the problematic institution of deputy mayors. He appears more optimistic about the Community Clusters, while the EDCs seem to be moving at different speeds. On the question of whether the reform will ultimately be beneficial for the citizens, he states that he is convinced that the new map of Local Government, despite the problems and challenges, is clearly better than the previous situation.
– One year after the implementation of the reform, what is the assessment? To what extent does it meet the goals that were set?
-The reform of Local Government is a huge and demanding undertaking, which began with several difficulties and problems. As a Government, we identified omissions and mistakes in a timely manner, some of which we tried to correct before the implementation of the reform. In addition, we found that in the two years that preceded it, in several cases the proper preparation for the smooth transition to the new environment was not carried out.
– Based on the experience of these twelve months, do you still believe that it will be beneficial for citizens?
-Yes, I believe it. The new map of Local Government, despite the problems and challenges we have to face, is clearly better than the previous situation. In some cases, such as some of the Provincial Local Government Organizations and the Communities, I believe that the positive results will be seen sooner. We believe in the reform and the benefits it will have for the citizens in the long term and together with the Associations of Municipalities and Communities and the EDCs we work almost on a daily basis and provide solutions to many problems. There is still a lot to be done and as a Government, we are determined to bring about substantial changes where and where necessary.
