Heraklion Chamber opposes new migrant reception center

The Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and the Municipality of Heraklion are formally opposing the planned establishment of a temporary migrant reception facility in the Athanata–Malades area, specifically at the ‘Linari’ site on the Heraklion–Moires National Road.

In a letter to the Minister of Migration and Asylum, Thanos Pleuris, Chamber President Vangelis Karkanakis expressed concerns regarding the lack of consultation with local stakeholders. The Chamber warned that placing the facility in a highly active industrial and commercial zone could negatively impact local economic activity, social cohesion, and security. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding road safety on the heavily trafficked Heraklion–Moires axis, the capacity of water and sewage networks, and potential flood risks due to the site's proximity to the Xeropotamos stream.

The controversy follows a ministerial decision accepting the free three-month use of a property owned by G. E. Skouloudis as a transitional stage toward a permanent lease. Local residents and productive sectors have vowed to exhaust all means to prevent the project, while the Municipality of Heraklion is reportedly considering legal action to halt the proceedings.