Downtown Athens Awaits Stepped Up Law Enforcement

According to Tourism Minister Kostas Markopoulos (pictured third next ot Greek police force representatives), legislative initiatives are expected to take place sson by the government in order to the strengthen the image of Athens as a safe tourism destination. These initiatives are in relevance to the crackdown of illegal immigration in Athens center, illegal merchants, non-licensed brothels, as well the relocation of the OKANA (Organization Against Drugs) from the city center.

Tourism Minister Kostas Markopoulos called a meeting during the summer to focus on the issue of security in downtown Athens on the occasion of the peak tourist season.

Present at the meeting was Deputy Interior Minister, Christos Markoyiannakis, who deals with public order issues, as well as key figures from the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Ministry of Interior, the Greek police force, the City of Athens, the Athens – Attica Hotel Association, the Hellenic Hotels Federation and the Tourist Police.

After the meeting specific measures were not announced, as each individual ministry is to announce its own new measures that it will take in the near future.

According to the tourism minister, legislative initiatives are expected by the government soon in order to strengthen the image of the city of Athens as a safe tourism destination.

These initiatives are in relevance to the crackdown of illegal immigration in Athens center, illegal merchants, non-licensed brothels, as well as the relocation of the OKANA (Organization Against Drugs) from the city center.

Tourism Minister Kostas Markopoulos speaks to journalists after the meeting he chaired in regards to improving safety for tourists and citizens in downtown Athens.

On his part, Deputy Interior Minister Christos Markoyiannakis stressed that his ministry and the police force have made great strides in combating crime and reversing the image of the Athens center.

“However, further steps must be taken in cooperation with the relevant parties,” he said.

Mr. Markoyiannakis also mentioned that cleanup and decontamination operations of abandoned buildings in Athens are programmed to take place, as in the case of the former Athens Appeals Court building on Sokratous street, which now has been decontaminated and stands vacant from squatters.

During the meeting, Deputy Mayor for Commercial Establishments and City Safety Andreas Papadakis, who represented Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis, outlined the plans of the City of Athens for the revival of the historic centre.

The City of Athens’ strategy includes the pedestrianisation of Athinas street, the regeneration of the Psyrri area, the salvaging of abandoned buildings in Metaxourgio, the regeneration of Gazi and the upgrading of the Sofokleous street, Evripidou street, Koumoundourou Square and Theatrou Square axes.