Nikos Chardalias spoke today about the vision, the basic principles and the metropolitan goals of his administration to “First Word” of protothema.gr and Antonis Schroiter in a full-length interview.

His relations with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, why was he absent from the ENPE conference and what scares him about the planning and progress of projects in the region? Nikos Chardalias, opening his cards, also answers about the huge problem with the traffic chaos in Attica, the priority he wants to give to the flood control projects, while – at the same time – he clarifies his position on the “race” Doukas – Chardalias and the double New Year in Athens.

Among other things, the current Regional Authority leaves spikes for unfulfilled projects by the previous administrations – and during the term of Giorgios Patoulis – denouncing “the apparent absence of the Region of Attica for decades”.

Nikos Chardalias provided a mixed evaluation of the Regional Authority’s activities in recent years. He highlighted a significant issue, revealing that the Kifissos River was last cleaned during Vasso Papandreou’s tenure as minister, just before the 2004 Olympic Games, when 26,000 tons of garbage were removed.

Addressing concerns about the region’s preparedness for extreme weather events like the recent “Daniel” storm, the Attica Regional Governor stated: “No one can guarantee anything.”

On His Relations with Mitsotakis
Nikos Chardalias began by addressing his relationship with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, stating:

“My relations with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is excellent. This stems from a bond built over many years, beginning when the Prime Minister started his parliamentary career in B’ Athens. Our relationship peaked after 2019 when I had the honor to work closely with him. Without his leadership, the country would have faced immense challenges. Our mutual respect has been unwavering.”

On the ENPE Election
Chardalias was also asked about his absence from the elections for the new president of the Union of Greek Regional Governors (ENPE). Responding to Antonis Sroiter’s question about whether this reflected dissatisfaction, he explained:

“There was a discussion regarding ENPE. I expressed my willingness to lead if the government deemed it appropriate. However, the decision prioritized seniority and experience among colleagues, which I respect. I wish them success. I have significant responsibilities in the Region of Attica that require my full attention.”

When asked about his absence from the ENPE conference, Chardalias dismissed rumors of dissatisfaction:

“Some tried to create confusion, but these claims were baseless. Any misunderstandings about my relationship with the Prime Minister were quickly resolved. The Region of Attica chose not to participate in the conference as part of a conscious decision to focus on its priorities.”

Transforming Attica by 2028
Chardalias outlined an ambitious plan to transform Attica through 280+1 projects with a total budget of €2.16 billion, funded by 19 financial instruments. He emphasized:

“These projects span all 66 municipalities in Attica, with a focus on flood control, comprising 54 projects costing €454 million. These are ready for tender in 2025 and will be approved by the Regional Council. The ‘+1’ project is the redevelopment of Faliriko Ormos, a €370 million initiative of great significance.”

He also noted the Prime Minister’s keen interest in the planning and progress of these projects.

Preparedness for Extreme Weather
Asked whether Attica is prepared for another “Daniel”-type weather event, Chardalias stated:

“A special plan has been launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Vassilis Kikilias. This includes creating specific bases and management protocols to minimize the risk to human life. However, no one can guarantee the outcome of such extreme events. We are addressing decades of neglect, such as uncleared streams and improper infrastructure maintenance.”

Chardalias highlighted the cleanup of the Kifissos River, which had not been fully cleared since 2004 when 26,000 tons of waste were removed.

Traffic and Urban Challenges
On the issue of Athens’ traffic chaos, Chardalias stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy:

“Athens requires a holistic approach to address traffic, waste management, and other urban challenges. Attica needs a single entity to coordinate these efforts. The people will judge us on results, not intentions.”

On the Double New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Chardalias also addressed reports about a second New Year’s Eve event at Pedion tou Areos, in addition to the traditional celebration at Syntagma Square organized by the Municipality of Athens. He remarked:

“Athens belongs to all of us; it should unite, not divide. This additional celebration is a democratic choice. It’s not about rivalry with the Mayor of Athens, Harris Doukas. I respect his role and will even visit Syntagma after the event at Pedion tou Areos.”

Chardalias dismissed social media claims of political maneuvering, calling them divisive and baseless.

On His Political Future
When asked about his political ambitions, Chardalias concluded:

“The Region of Attica is my final journey in public service. I told the Prime Minister that I wanted to close my career where I began—serving local government.”