Haris Doukas

The demand of the new mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, for an increase in the fees imposed on accommodation in the capital's hotels in order to finance the increased needs for infrastructure and personnel created by the increase of tourists in the capital has triggered a confrontation with hoteliers.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said on Friday that the new Panathinaikos stadium in the Votanikos district of Athens is on track and that the goal is to have it delivered by 2026.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Panathinaikos Athletic Club President Panagiotis Malakates, Doukas said the project is gaining momentum.

The new Panathinaikos stadium in Votanikos and the redevelopment project at the team's old stadium on Alexandras Avenue will be ready by 2026, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has said.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the mayor said that the timetable for the completion of both stadiums is binding since funding will be lost otherwise.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has issued an open letter to Minister of Environment and Energy Theodore Skylakakis, urging the suspension of a ministerial decision "envisaging the implementation of increased building heights." 

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said on Thursday he will ask the Interior Ministry for an increase in fines for the illegal placement of tables and seats in public spaces by catering establishments in the Greek capital, so that the relevant inspections conducted by the municipality pay off.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has come under fire from a government minister for canceling a concert that was to be held later this month under the aegis of the Israeli Embassy over security concerns stemming from the spiraling crisis in the Middle East. 

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has congratulated his Istanbul counterpart Ekrem Imamoglu on his reelection in Turkey's local elections Sunday.

A video in which Athens Mayor Haris Doukas is allegedly heard using the derogatory term "batsos" (loosely translated as cop) has drawn the ire of the Panhellenic Federation of Police Officers and the Panhellenic Federation of Police Employees. 

Doukas allegedly used the term during a meeting at the Municipal Council. 

Twelve playgrounds in the Municipality of Athens will close for safety reasons as they lack an updated operating permit, following a decision of the city council on Wednesday.

The playgrounds will receive extensive renovation before they reopen to the public, which is expected to be in June for some of them.

A unanimous decision was taken by the Athens Municipal Council on Wednesday for the creation of a monument for the victims of the Tempe train crash in February 2023.