Join the free Tsiknopempti 2026 celebrations in Athens today! Enjoy grilled meat feast at Varvakeios, live music, traditional dances, and Carnival procession from Syntagma Square. Don’t miss the smoky Thursday fun in the city center
Tag: Haris Doukas
A camera crew from TA NEA recorded shocking scenes in central Athens on Sunday, 19…
The sky over Athens lit up on Friday night as around 3,000 paper biodegradable lanterns…
Athens ‘ Street Work teams are offering a lifeline to people experiencing homelessness across the…
Greek authorities carried out joint inspections at health-related businesses in central Athens, imposing fines totalling…
A “paper war” of announcements has erupted between the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, and the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, after recent changes to the law governing the cleaning and maintenance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens.
On a rainy October evening in Athens, teams of social workers and volunteers, joined by Mayor Haris Doukas, braved the damp streets to count the city’s homeless for the first time since 2018. The tally revealed a grim reality: at least 1,000 people now live on the streets, up from 700, with drug addiction driving the rise. As Deputy Mayor Maria Stratigaki noted, many women face “hidden homelessness,” trading safety for shelter. Despite bureaucratic barriers to aid, stories of volunteers like Periklis Christoforatos, who counted six homeless individuals in one night, offer hope for change in Greece’s capital.
A solemn flag-raising ceremony was held at the Acropolis to commemorate 81 years since Athens was liberated from Nazi occupation, attended by President Konstantinos Tasoulas, Mayor Haris Doukas, and representatives of Greece’s Armed Forces and Parliament.
Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris has urged Athens Mayor Haris Doukas to clarify his stance on rent subsidies for foreign nationals, sparking a sharp response from Deputy Mayor Thanasis Cheimonas over the government’s changes to the Helios+ refugee housing program.
Israeli journalist Gideon Levy was awarded the Athens Democracy Prize for his lifelong commitment to truth, justice, and human rights. During the Athens Democracy Forum, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas praised Levy’s fearless reporting on Palestinian life under occupation, while Levy dedicated the honor to journalists in Gaza and condemned what he described as “genocide.”
The Mayors of Athens and Bethlehem met with Archbishop Ieronymos in Athens, highlighting the historic ties between the two cities and addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Bethlehem’s mayor delivered a message of peace and solidarity, thanking Greece for its support and shared spiritual heritage.
Turkey rejected a request by European mayors to visit imprisoned Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in Silivri Prison. City leaders from Athens, Barcelona, Sofia and others expressed solidarity, stressing that his detention represents a wider attack on democracy.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, responding to Israeli Ambassador Noam Katz’s criticism of the city’s handling of antisemitic graffiti. Doukas defended Athens’ commitment to democracy and free expression while highlighting a 90% surge in Israeli citizens receiving Greek Golden Visas.
The Municipality of Athens is set to review regulations on electric scooters following safety concerns raised during a recent City Council meeting. Mayor Haris Doukas called the current situation “unacceptable” and announced plans to propose a ban on e-scooters on streets with speed limits over 50 km/h. Additionally, designated zones will be established near archaeological sites, with nearly 70 locations identified.
On April 25, 2025, Athens and Boston launched a groundbreaking partnership to tackle urban challenges like overtourism, climate, and housing crises. Mayors Haris Doukas and Michelle Wu signed a declaration of intent, paving the way for a formal agreement to drive sustainable solutions and cultural exchange.
The Athens Municipality has launched a crackdown on illegal rooftop cafes and restaurants in Plaka, the historic “Neighbourhood of the Gods.” With inspections underway to curb noise pollution and unauthorized businesses, Mayor Haris Doukas announced a Task Force to protect the area’s cultural heritage, starting with enforcing strict regulations in this iconic district.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas announced initiatives to combat the housing crisis, including affordable apartments near Omonia, rent subsidies for young adults, and renovations for vulnerable households. With rents up 90% due to overtourism, the city is auditing properties and planning a Housing Observatory to redevelop derelict buildings.
A pink Greek flag by artist Georgia Lale now hangs in Athens City Hall, placed there by Mayor Haris Doukas to highlight the fight against gender-based violence. The artwork, once removed from a New York consulate amid backlash, has stirred debate over its message and respect for Greece’s national symbol.
The Municipality of Athens has secured €2,011,280 from the Green Fund to restore and enhance Filopappos Hill and the Western Hills of the Acropolis. Mayor Haris Doukas said the funds will support infrastructure, greenery, and safety upgrades, addressing long-standing issues. Led by GREEN ATHENS, the project includes pruning historic olive trees, flood prevention, and planting 100 new shrubs, with plans for 500 more trees by 2025.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas will travel to Ankara on April 5 to meet with Turkey’s Republican Party leadership, advocating for the release of imprisoned Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. As the sole Greek representative in a European socialist delegation, Doukas will also attend the party’s congress on April 6, underscoring the vital role of democracy and the rule of law in this high-profile case.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has rallied behind Istanbul’s Ekrem Imamoglu, declaring, “Ekrem, you are not alone,” as he joins 14 European mayors in condemning political crackdowns in Turkey. With a signed declaration and a call for a European Socialist Party resolution, Doukas demands Imamoglu’s release and an end to attacks on democracy, uniting cities like Athens and Paris in a stand for justice.
A new wave of development is attracting more tourists to Plaka, a district dating back to Neolithic times. Locals are resisting by all means, while a crucial decision by the Council of State regarding Airbnbs in the historic area is pending.
Athens will honour the late former Prime Minister Costas Simitis by naming a street after him, Mayor Haris Doukas announced during the city council’s first meeting of the year. The tribute follows Simitis’ passing on 5 January and reflects his enduring legacy as a key figure in Greece’s modernisation and eurozone entry.
Greek leaders, including President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attended the New Year’s liturgy at Athens Metropolitan Church, led by Archbishop Ieronymos. The ceremony highlighted unity and tradition as the nation welcomed 2025.
ATHENS – As preparations for New Year’s Eve celebrations ramp up globally, Athens has taken…
Syntagma Square kicks off the Christmas season with a stunning 20-meter tree from Halkidiki, alongside energy-efficient decorations and a series of festive events across Athens. The lighting ceremony, set for next Thursday, will be accompanied by music and celebrations. Mayor Haris Doukas aims to make Athens a top Christmas destination, lighting up both the city center and neighborhoods with decorations and events for all ages.
Athens is hosting *Orange Week* from November 18 to 25, a series of free art-focused events aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence. Organised by the Municipality of Athens, the initiative coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and features performances, film screenings, concerts, and more. Mayor Haris Doukas called on citizens and artists to join the effort, emphasising, “Violence against women and girls must end now.”
Celebrate the National Anniversary of October 28 with the Municipality of Athens. Enjoy a diverse program of events, including exhibitions, dance performances, and theatrical tours, all honoring those who resisted fascism and celebrating Athens’ history of freedom. Events are free and open to the public.
As expected, Nikos Androulakis will remain president of PASOK after winning the election with a…
The Municipality of Athens has announced a series of free guided tours for October, offering residents the chance to explore the city’s rich history and culture. Running from October 12 to 30, the tours cover iconic sites like the Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, and Roman Agora, as well as special events commemorating Athens’ liberation from Nazi occupation and the fall of the Greek dictatorship. Tours are free, but space is limited, and participants must cover any entry fees to museums or archaeological sites.
