Giannis Pappas Calls for Faster Coastal Permit Procedures and Action on Archaeological Delays
Dodecanese MP Giannis Pappas addressed the Hellenic Parliament during the debate on the Ministry of National Economy and Finance bill, highlighting the urgent need to accelerate coastal concession procedures and resolve lengthy delays in archaeological approvals affecting island businesses.
Mr. Pappas described the bill as a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at strengthening household income, supporting families, improving housing policies, facilitating debt settlements and enhancing public administration, with particular attention to the needs of Greece’s island regions.
He welcomed provisions introducing a refund equivalent to two months’ rent for teachers, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals serving in regional areas, stressing that the measure is especially important for the Dodecanese, where the housing shortage makes it difficult to attract and retain essential public-sector staff.
Regarding the provisions on coastal zones and beaches, the MP emphasized that simplifying concession procedures, improving the operation of shoreline committees and introducing modern digital tools for inspections are key reforms that will make public administration more efficient and business-friendly.
He also drew attention to the large number of pending applications for simple coastal-use concessions across the Dodecanese, noting that dozens of cases in Kos alone remain unresolved because of delays in archaeological opinions. According to Mr. Pappas, these delays hinder business planning, negatively affect the local economy and reduce public revenue.
While reaffirming that protecting Greece’s archaeological heritage is a fundamental obligation, he argued that archaeological assessments should not be delayed by unrelated planning or administrative issues. He called for a clearer division of responsibilities among public authorities to ensure both effective heritage protection and a faster, more efficient public administration that supports lawful economic activity on the islands.
Concluding his speech, Mr. Pappas announced his support for the bill, stating that its reforms strengthen economic development, reinforce island policy and improve the everyday lives of citizens.
