City, ministry sign cooperation deal to improve life in Athens

Citizens’ Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis and Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis have signed a four-year cooperation agreement aimed at improving day-to-day life in the Greek capital.

The document signed on Monday foresees the creation of a Center for Managing Daily Life, which will be operated jointly by the Hellenic Police (ELAS) and the Athens Municipal Police.

It will be responsible for tackling crimes and violations that impact on citizens’ safety, as well as on the city’s economic and commercial activity.

Key among its tasks will be to increase the presence of officers from the two forces in the busier parts of the city center (particularly in areas that see a lot of tourists), cracking down on illegal street trade and rampant traffic code violations, as well as policing major public events.

Chrysochoidis hailed the initiative as “common sense.” “It should have been done years ago, but better late than never,” he said. “We’re starting with Athens, but the police wants to expand this cooperation to other municipalities as well.”

Bakoyannis said the initiative is geared toward “changing daily life in the city for the better.”