Parliament Debates Hellenic Post Closures
Political tensions erupted in Parliament over the decision to shut down 204 branches of Hellenic Post (ELTA) nationwide. This followed the resignation of ELTA CEO Grigoris Sklikas, who stepped down amid controversy surrounding the closure plan.
Government Defense of the Closure Plan
Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis defended the decision, stating that Sklikas “was at fault and rightly resigned.” He dismissed allegations of political favoritism, declaring:
“There is no clique or Mitsotakis-Hatzidakis conspiracy.”
Georgiadis highlighted that demand for postal services has declined due to modern communication and explained that the closures target unprofitable branches. He argued that reallocating the €34 million spent annually on these branches would make ELTA more competitive.
Opposition Criticism and Concerns
- SYRIZA’s Christos Giannoulis called the resignation a “serious blow.”
- PASOK’s Pavlos Christidis accused New Democracy of pushing ELTA “to death by euthanasia” and using Sklikas as a scapegoat, adding, “The government closed 204 additional branches without informing its own MPs.”
- Sia Anagnostopoulou of the New Left pointed out that even the prime minister was aware of the closures but Parliament was kept unaware.
Government Reassurance on Postal Service Access
ND lawmaker Makarios Lazaridis defended the reform, emphasizing:
“ELTA will either restructure or close… with consultation to ensure no citizen is left without service.”
Author's summary: The closure of 204 Hellenic Post branches has sparked heated parliamentary debate, with government officials defending the cuts as necessary reforms, while the opposition criticizes the lack of transparency and the impact on public service.