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Kostas Bakoyannis (Greek: Κώστας Μπακογιάννης; born 16 March 1978) is a Greek politician. He serves as leader of the opposition of Athens from 2024. Furthermore, he served mayor of Athens from 2019 to 2023, as governor of Central Greece from 2014 to 2019 and as mayor of the town of Karpenisi from 2011 to 2014.
- Haris Doukas (elect)
Spring 2024. Resident Fellow. Dr. Kostas Bakoyannis served as Mayor of Athens from 2019 to 2023. Previously, he served as Governor of Central Greece from 2014 to 2019 and as Mayor of Karpenissi, from 2011 to 2014.
Biography. Kostas Bakoyannis served as Mayor of Athens from 2019 t0 2023. He served as Governor of Central Greece from 2014 to 2019 and as Mayor of Karpenissi, from 2011 to 2014. Βorn in 1978 in Athens, he graduated from Millfield School (UK) in 1996 before going to Brown University (USA) to study History and International Relations.
- Athens Is Getting Greener
- Traffic Issues in Athens
- The Long Term Plan For Athens
- Here Is The Current Situation in Athens
AG: Athens is not generally thought of as a ‘green city’. Is this a misconception, and are there any changes afoot to make it greener?
KB:Athens is a modern, vibrant metropolis. We take great pride in our ancient inheritance much as we take great pride in our modern self. We are actually in the process of an ambitious but realistic project with three explicit strategic goals: one, to reclaim or liberate quality public space; two, to adopt a new model of sustainable mobility and three, to make sure that we change without losing our soul. Meaning that we don't want Athens to turn into a theme park. We’re focused on building a...
AG: What plans are in store for the much-loved Mount Lycabettus, with its sweeping views over Athens and the Acropolis, and the National Garden, another famous Athenian green space?
KB: Residents love Mount Lycabettus as well as visitors, and that's what it's all about: creating different experiences for everyone, for all Athenians, whether they are Athenians for a dayor Athenians for a lifetime. We are preparing to start public works within the next few weeks, the idea is to apply nature-based solutions to fix the road that leads to the parking lot at the top [note: sounds like a great idea, because right now even finding that road can be tricky] and in time, to revamp...
AG: Though Athens has had issues with traffic congestion, in the past year with the lockdowns some might say Athenians are actually using their cars more than before. Is Athens prepared for the pos...
KB:Over the past year, we've noticed two trends - one is shorter term and one I think longer term. The shorter term trend does speak to some people wanting to avoid mass transit for health reasons and using their cars. But the long-term trend is the new appreciation of the need for quality public space. We need to find a new, different balance between the rights of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. We are on the way. Last year we utilised the methodology of tactical urbanism with the so-cal...
AG: Cities around the world have been changing because of the pandemic and lockdowns. How will Athens be different when tourists start to come back?
KB:I've been reading lots of reports particularly in the international press about the 'death of the city' because of the pandemic and let me just say very clearly that I don't buy these arguments. History suggests that pandemics or public health crises have always been catalysts and opportunities. Look at the London sewage system or New York's Central Park. As we speak there's a global competition between cities and Athens has entered this race. It's a race for three prizes: investment, tale...
AG: Do you as mayor of Athens have any say in restaurant re-openings, or are those calls made solely by the national government? In Tel Aviv, another Mediterranean tourist destination, there's a 'g...
KB:If there is a lesson to be learned from this crisis it's that there are times when we have to put politics and partisanship aside and listen to the experts. We have to make decisions based on facts and we have to be transparent. That's what we have been trying to do in Greece, and that’s why we have been largely been successful in responding to the pandemic and we have to keep doing especially now as we are undergoing a third wave. There is very close cooperation between the City of Athens...
AG: Can you tell me something you love about Athens?
KB:I love the fact that Athens constantly reinvents itself. Athens is a city of surprises. I think that's where our great strength lies, and especially the vibrant young communities that work hard and dream big. I take great pride in a city that is a living organism and that constantly evolves.
Like so many around the world, Athenians have endured several months of lockdowns and a somewhat onerous system of sending obligatory SMS messages before going out (1 for pharmacy or doctor visits, 6 for exercise etc.). Restaurants and tavernas in Athens won’t be open before mid-April, and then likely for outdoor dining only. Not a very fun chapter...
Nov 20, 2023 · Kostas Bakoyannis says goodbye as the Mayor of Athens with a bright decoration of the city. by Athens Bureau. 0. On Monday, early morning, the Christmas tree set up in Athens was 17 metres high as a reminder that the holidays are approaching. The tree's base weighs 25 tons, while 24,000 low-consumption bulbs were placed on top of the fir tree.
Jul 23, 2021 · ATHENS, GREECE— July 23, 2021— Today, from City Hall in Athens, steps from the Acropolis, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis delivered on his commitment as a founding member of City Champions for Heat Action (CCHA) by naming Europe’s first Chief Heat Officer, appointing urban climate resilience veteran Eleni Myrivili to the post.
Feb 23, 2020 · Kostas Bakoyannis is the mayor of Athens, Greece, and a former governor of Central Greece. He talks about his experience as a public servant, his vision for the city, and his education and family background. He shares his views on the past, present, and future of Athens, as well as his plans for the city's development and sustainability.
