Mr.Chardalias, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Heads of State and high-ranking international officials, highlighted the importance of this year's theme of the Forum, noting that «the real issue today is not just adapting to developments, but the ability to interpret them correctly and turn them into an opportunity».
He placed particular emphasis on the role of the Regions as key pillars for the design and implementation of policies with direct impact on citizens, stressing that «if we want policies to be effective, they must be designed and implemented close to the citizen, where real needs are recorded».
In this context, the Regional Governor of Attica highlighted the importance of metropolitanism as a critical tool for development, stressing that «modern economic activities are not limited to administrative boundaries, but are developed in networks and interconnections that require coordination, common focus and real synergies».
As he noted, «the conditions for competitiveness are currently being shaped in large metropolitan areas, as they concentrate productive activity, innovation and investment, creating dynamics that strengthen the national economy as a whole».
Mr.Chardalias stressed that the strengthening of this role requires «clear responsibilities and the corresponding financial tools», noting that «we cannot talk about strong Regions without a clear role, nor can we ask for results without the means to implement them».
At the same time, he referred to the need to strengthen understanding and cooperation, noting that «in a period of tension and polarisation, the search for common solutions across and above party lines is a prerequisite for stability and substantial progress».
In conclusion, the Attica Regional Governor stressed that the Region of Attica, as the largest Region of the country and a key pillar of economic activity, has an increased responsibility «to act as a field of implementation of policies that translate into investment, jobs and improvement of everyday life», with particular emphasis on the young generations.
«Because, after all, development is not a theoretical concept. It is tangible results for every one of our fellow citizens. And that is a bet we are determined to win,» he concluded.
«55 flood protection projects by 2027 - 55% already launched»
Immediately after the opening of the Forum, the Regional Governor of Attica, in response to questions from journalists of TV channels and news websites, referred extensively to the flood protection of Attica, underlining that it is the absolute priority of the Regional Authority. «The 55% of the projects we had committed to flood protection have already been launched, almost halfway through our term of office. I want to be clear: I will keep my commitment. By September 2027, all 55 projects will have been launched,» he said, adding that these are projects critical for the protection of human life, «which for years have been trapped in bureaucratic procedures, but today have secured funding from national and European resources.» As he stressed, «we have made important steps, but the climate crisis is running at a faster pace. That is why we are investing in prevention and especially in resilience, with a holistic programme of interventions.’ At the same time, he highlighted the need to strengthen the role of the local government, stressing that »the Region of Attica manages 442 streams, with a total length of 886 kilometers. We need the trust of the State, but also the right tools to do our job properly.
«Brave decisions in the Constitutional Review for a real metropolitan governance»
Regarding metropolitan governance and the key priorities of the regional authority, Mr.Chardalias reiterated the need for bold decisions, noting that «the debate has matured, but the decisive step has not yet been taken». He said that issues such as traffic, civil protection and waste management «cannot be dealt with piecemeal - they require integrated, metropolitan planning and coordination». The regional governor stressed that «everyone cannot plan separately. We need a body that will be responsible for overall coordination, with continuity and a specific implementation plan», and added emphatically that «we need to respond to all these issues in terms that are clear and effective. And, above all, the State must, in the context of the forthcoming Constitutional Review, take courageous decisions. Otherwise, we will continue to discuss the same old thing.» At the same time, he stressed that «the resolution of issues of competence and the strengthening of partnerships is a prerequisite to move from studies to results», adding that the Region of Attica «claims an active role in this transition». He concluded by referring to the overall project program of the Region, noting that «we have prioritized 300+1 projects in cooperation with our 66 municipalities, aiming at safety, resilience and improving the daily life of citizens. People don't want more analysis - they want results. And this is the result we are delivering on the ground every day.».
The Regional Governor was accompanied by the Special Secretary of the Region of Attica Elena Rapti, the General Manager of «New Metropolitan Attica S.A.» Efi Filioopoulou and the Deputy Director of the Office of the Regional Governor Dimitris Tarazonas.
