With municipal elections looming, a debate about bringing changes to the election system has begun. While the government partners claim that they wish to reduce the presence of political parties in the upcoming elections, the pressure from various officials hints towards a compromise.
Indicative of the situation is that the president of the Central Union of Municipalities (KEDE) Kostas Askounis expressed his intention to possibly accept changes to the election system after negotiations. Representatives from KEDE met with the Minister of the Interior Yannis Michelakis to discuss the overall role and purpose of local government.
The potential changes to the election system, even on technical matters, has caused concern amongst Mayors, with some commenting that municipal councils will face operation problems if a unified ballot for councilors is established. Other changes will also make reelection harder.
There is the sense that local government can negotiate with the government on a number of issues, such as finances and budgets, however the today’s KEDE board meeting at noon will host a heated debate.
Meanwhile, the mayors of Athens Giorgos Kaminis, Thessaloniki Yannis Boutaris, Patra Yannis Dimaras, Volos Panos Skotiniotis and Ioannina Philippos Filios will meet on Thursday afternoon in order to coordinate their common stance. Mr. Kaminis explained that any changes would not affect the upcoming elections, but the next ones and supported changes that would bring more councilors.
The mayor of Athens noted that such changes would necessitate a number of reforms in local government, so that municipal authorities are not held hostage to the whims of a heterogeneous municipal council.
