Athens mayor seeking to unify the city

Ranging from the changes being planned for Panepistimiou Street to the recent revamp of Omonia Square, my discussion with Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis was focused on his plans for the "Grand Walk," as he's dubbed an ambitious overhaul of the city center. The capital's new mayor, elected in May 2019, also responded to criticism over last week's unveiling of the new fountain in Omonia.
 

Scenes of crowds at the launch of the Omonia Square fountain sparked reactions and sent out the wrong message. How do you respond to critics?

The project was ready in March and we postponed the unveiling because of the lockdown. We eventually unveiled it last Thursday because we believe that Athenians need this space now perhaps more than ever. We obviously didn't organize a party or a formal opening. We didn't make speeches. I visited the square for a few...