Lina Mendoni accuses Charis Doukas of a complete turnaround on the redevelopment of Vasilissis Olga, claiming that the mayor, from opposing the project, now “adopts” it. While Dukas stresses the importance of the road remaining closed since 2020, the planning began in the 1990s, was promoted by Kostas Bakoyannis and is now under the supervision of five ministries through “Anaplasi S.A.”
The redevelopment of Vasilissis Olga Avenue is at the centre of a heated political debate, with Culture Minister Lina Mendoni sharply commenting on recent statements by the Mayor of Athens, Charis Doukas. The controversy erupted when the mayor referred to the importance of completing the project, prompting an immediate reaction from the ministry.
Specifically, Harris Doukas stressed in previous days the importance of this road for the functioning of the capital, stating that “this road has gone through 40 waves. It has been closed since 2020. It is a project of great importance, a small road of great value.”
Lina Mendoni’s response was immediate, accusing the mayor of a contradictory stance. “The mayor not only refused, but also fought the project in Vasilissis Olgas,” the minister said, adding that today Dukas seems to be changing his mind.
According to her, the Mayor now “not only accepts and admires the road, which completes the unification of the archaeological sites of Athens, but adopts it as his own, forgetting that the project’s implementing body, Anaplasias A.Ε., is – from 2024 – under the supervision of five Ministries, including the Ministry of Culture”. In this way, the Minister wanted to underline that the paternity and supervision of the project belongs to the central administration, recalling that its implementation was a priority of the previous municipal authority.
H Statement by the Minister of Culture on Harry Duke and Basilissa Olga: “It is of particular significance that the Mayor of Athens, Harris Doukas, is proud and happy about the completion of the Vasilissis Olga Street project. A project which the Mayor not only refused but also fought against, as the project contradicted his pre-election vision for Athens. I am glad, because today Harris Doukas not only accepts and admires the road that completes the unification of the archaeological sites of Athens, but adopts it as his own, forgetting that the project’s implementing body, Anaplasi S.A., is – from 2024 – under the supervision of five Ministries, including the Ministry of Culture.
The planning of the project began in the 1990s. The implementation of the project was among the priorities of Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis. The Ministry of Culture cooperated with the Municipality of Athens at the time, as the transformation of Vasilissis Olga highlights major archaeological and historical sites of the city. The work on the road brought to light very important antiquities, which complete the picture of Athens in its transition from classical antiquity to the Roman period. Their enhancement makes Athens’ “multimodal street” one of the most valuable landmarks in the capital’s long historical timeline.”
