Tsipras to propose new Local Government Code and full decentralisation of powers at Athens event on Tuesday

Alexis Tsipras will present the Greek Left Coalition's (ELAS) proposal for a sweeping overhaul of local government at an event in Athens on Tuesday, 28 July 2026. The plan, centred on a new Local Government Code, aims to dismantle what the party calls a hyper-centralised state and replace it with a model where municipalities act as genuine local-level governments with real powers and budgets.

The proposal

The core of the proposal is a transition from the current system to an integrated decentralisation of powers, resources and decision-making. Party sources describe it as a comprehensive shift that will let citizens and local communities decide their own future.

“A comprehensive proposal for transition from the hyper-centralised system we have today to an integrated plan of decentralisation of powers, resources and decisions so that citizens and local communities decide for their future.”

Tsipras is expected to argue that a new Local Government Code must redefine the relationship between the state, municipalities and citizens, rebuilding public administration on the principles of efficiency and democratic accountability. Under the plan, municipalities would no longer function as mere managers of limited responsibilities but as real local-level governments, ensuring that every Greek citizen enjoys the same rights and services across the entire territory. The proposal also stresses the strengthening of small and island communities, the transfer of financial resources alongside responsibilities, and the active participation of citizens in decisions that affect them.

Event details and attendees

The presentation will take place at the Serafeio venue, provided by Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, starting at 12:00. The programme will open with a speech by party secretary Miltos Chatzigiannakis, a former mayor of Skyros, followed by greetings from local government representatives. Tsipras will deliver the keynote address at 12:30, and at 13:00 sector heads Giorgos Ioakeimidis and Maria Kamma (mayor of Tilos) will detail the proposals.

A broad cross-section of local government figures is expected to attend, including Doukas, Piraeus Mayor Giannis Moralis, Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angelousis, Attica Regional Governor Nikos Chardalias, Crete Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis, and Kostas Zachariadis, head of the "Open City" faction in Athens. Many other mayors and regional officials will also be present.

Political context

ELAS has emerged as the main opposition force in opinion polls and is positioning itself as a government-in-waiting. The local government event is the second in a series of thematic presentations, following one on education, with further events on social policy and health planned in the run-up to the Thessaloniki International Fair. Tsipras previewed the event with a social media post declaring, "Strong Local Government, Strong Democracy."

“Strong Local Government, Strong Democracy. Our Regions, Municipalities and Communities are cells of our Democracy. In the Greek Left Coalition we believe that a Strong Democracy is based on a Strong Local Government. Decisions should be taken where they should, by those concerned for their own future in their place. On Tuesday 28 July at 12:00 we present our positions for a Strong Local Government.”

What comes next

After the presentation, ELAS intends to roll out additional policy pillars in the coming weeks, building a full programme ahead of the next electoral cycle. The party frames decentralisation not as a mere administrative reform but as a democratic choice, arguing that stronger local government is a precondition for revitalising the regions and reversing citizen disengagement from public life.