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> Politics

Government unveils positive agenda: Marine parks, bank reform, and Peace & Friendship Foundation deal

In the next few days, the national water plan, which is being processed by the vice-presidency of the government, should also be expected

Newsroom July 22 08:23

Following the political shock of the OPEKEPE scandal, which deeply unsettled the government, the Maximos Mansion sought ways to move forward. The first step was the decision to establish an Investigative Committee instead of the Pre-Investigative Committee proposed by opposition parties, broadening the scope of the inquiry. Government officials also view the recent resignation of PASOK Prefectural Committee Secretary Lambros Antonopoulos as a sign that the issue extends beyond party lines. However, the next priority is to focus on concrete actions with visible results.

Since Monday morning, the government has launched a steady stream of positive announcements. It began with the designation of two marine parks in the Ionian and South Aegean Seas, protecting 27,500 square meters—larger than initially expected. Notably, opposition parties remained silent, while Turkey’s response—criticizing what it called unilateral Greek moves and announcing plans for similar actions—was seen by the government as a direct reaction. From the start, the marine parks initiative carried significant geopolitical weight alongside its environmental goals.

The most impactful move was the elimination of bank fees for ATM withdrawals. The regulation, developed by Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis over the weekend in close coordination with Maximos Mansion and the Bank of Greece, goes beyond a simple fix; it offers a comprehensive approach addressing several aspects of banking fees that have long frustrated citizens. Back in December, Prime Minister Mitsotakis had pledged decisive action to reduce bank charges. “With clear political will, determination, and social responsibility, we are moving forward with a bold and necessary intervention on bank fees. The government is committed to firm rules, clear decisions, and effective protection for everyone,” he stated yesterday.

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Finally, a key issue involving the Peace and Friendship Stadium was resolved in a meeting at Maximos Mansion attended by Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Olympiacos CSO owners Giorgos and Panagiotis Angelopoulos. Following a model similar to the indoor OAKA concession to Panathinaikos, the government closed this long-standing matter, which had stirred unrest among Olympiacos supporters. Deputy Prime Minister Giorgos Mylonakis, in consultation with the Prime Minister’s Secretary Stelios Koutnatzis, managed the negotiations, with both sides describing the agreement as fair. Sources confirmed the Prime Minister’s determination to settle the issue before the summer ends, avoiding any carryover into the next season.

Looking ahead, the government’s vice-presidency is expected to present the national water plan in the coming days. On Wednesday, Mitsotakis will give a full interview on SKAI’s main newscast, and on Friday the cabinet will hold its final meeting before the short August recess.

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