“We have invested over 160 million euros in the OAKA,” said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking to ERT from the OAKA, while emphasizing that “the goal is to transform the OAKA into a recreational and green space.”

It should be noted that the Greek prime minister visited the OAKA to inspect the work currently underway to upgrade the Olympic Athletic Center.

“We have carried out a very significant project, costing over 160 million euros. In 2019, we took over an OAKA that was in a dire state. We have carried out major improvements, such as, for example, the restoration of the main roof,” said Mr. Mitsotakis, emphasizing that “our goal is not simply to make it a sports venue, but to transform it into a recreational and green space. To give the Northern Suburbs yet another green space.”

“The largest investments in sports infrastructure in recent decades”
Referring to the country’s sports facilities as a whole, Kyriakos Mitsotakis asserted that the largest upgrade program in recent decades is currently underway. He pointed out that stadiums are being renovated throughout Greece, while new sports, green spaces, and recreational areas are being created at Elliniko.

He also made special mention of the “Marietta Giannakou” program, noting that, in addition to school facilities, it also provides for the upgrading of small playing fields located on school grounds, in order to enhance sports opportunities for children.

When asked whether Greece could bid to host a major tournament—whether the World Cup or the Euro—in the future, the prime minister replied that “the time will come for that,” while also congratulating ERT on its coverage of the tournament and describing Spain’s victory as well-deserved.

“Spain played the best soccer and proved that stars alone aren’t enough. You need teamwork, proper preparation, and coordination. This is a lesson that applies to politics as well,” he noted.

“The country will absorb the resources of the Recovery Fund”
When asked about the progress of the Recovery Fund’s implementation, Mr. Mitsotakis expressed confidence that Greece will absorb the available resources. As he noted, the Fund has played a decisive role in financing major infrastructure projects, citing as an example the completion of the E65 highway, which will soon open to traffic. At the same time, he emphasized that after the Fund’s completion, significant European funding will continue to be available, expressing his confidence that the Greek economy’s growth momentum will be sustained in the coming years.

In closing, referring to the upcoming announcements at the Thessaloniki International Fair, the prime minister did not make any specific announcements, but emphasized that as long as the economy achieves its targets, fiscal space will be created for targeted interventions that benefit society.

*photo source: KYPE