Zakynthos waste collection contract sparks political debate

The municipality of Zakynthos has signed a contract with a private company to strengthen waste‑collection services, particularly during the tourist season. The local government stresses that planning, supervision and responsibility remain with the municipality and describes the arrangement as a support measure rather than a privatization of the service.

Opposing this move, George Tsourounakis, leader of the local “Power of Hope” party, criticised the two‑year agreement, arguing it will increase costs for citizens. He pledged that, if elected mayor, he will not cooperate with any private contractor for waste collection and will cut municipal fees by half. Tsourounakis highlighted the municipality’s current deficit of about €1.5 million and compared the private contract’s annual cost of roughly €4.8 million to the previous in‑house expense of under €2 million, warning of a potential €6.5 million additional burden for residents.