Heraklion officials contest proposed migrant facility in Athanata

The Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum held a four-hour meeting in Athens with officials from the Municipality of Heraklion and representatives from the Athanata area to discuss the establishment of a migrant housing facility. The proposed site is located at the 10th kilometer of the Heraklion–Moires National Road, specifically involving former Skoulidis warehouses.

Alexis Kalokairinos, the Mayor of Heraklion, expressed opposition to the mandatory placement of the facility in this specific location. He cited concerns regarding traffic safety, the proximity to the Athanata settlement, lack of sewage and water infrastructure, and the impact on the expanding urban and economic area. The Mayor noted that both the Municipal Council of Heraklion and the Regional Council of Crete have passed resolutions against the site.

Minister Thanos Plevris maintained that a facility for approximately 400 migrants must be established in or near Heraklion. However, he indicated a willingness to consider alternative locations if the Region of Crete or the Municipality of Heraklion submits a formal proposal within a few days. Potential temporary alternatives mentioned include ready-to-use buildings like gymnasiums or stadiums that would only require the addition of beds.