Controversy in Elliniko-Argyroupoli Over Unauthorized Street Renaming

A municipality in Attiki (Attica) is at the center of a public backlash. In Elliniko-Argyroupoli, a street was arbitrarily renamed after the Dutch developer of the mayor's residence. The incident triggered an intervention by the opposition for bypassing the Dimotiko Symvoulio (City Council), while the mayor attributed the matter to an error involving a private road.

Background of the Renaming and Reactions

The incident came to light when "Proteos" street appeared to have been renamed to "Albert ten Brinke" street. This change was implemented without a relevant decision from the City Council, in violation of the new Local Government Code (Law 5314/2026, Article 15) and the older Municipal and Community Code (Law 3463/2006, Article 8). Mr. Albert ten Brinke is the founder of the TenTec Construction Company (Ten Brinke Greece), which maintains offices at that specific location.

According to a complaint filed by Mr. Giorgos Kokkinis, head of the "Dimotiki Synergasia Ellinikou Argyroupolis" (Municipal Cooperation of Elliniko Argyroupoli) faction, the company in question recently constructed an apartment owned by the mayor, Yannis Konstantatos. Mr. Kokkinis emphasized that the matter was never brought before the council for discussion and that the municipal administration, with the mayor absent from a subsequent session, has failed to provide official answers. The issue also sparked intense reactions on social media, where citizens voiced sharp criticism.

The Mayor’s Response

For his part, the Mayor of Elliniko-Argyroupoli, Yannis Konstantatos, characterized the issue as "ridiculous." He stated that the road is the property of the company but remains open to residents. According to the mayor, the placement of the sign bearing the businessman's name was an engineer's error during an inauguration event, and the sign was corrected/removed the following day. Furthermore, he warned those circulating the story that they would face the legal consequences.

Legal Status of the Road

The ownership status of the disputed road is of particular interest. As noted by the opposition, a 2021 land consolidation act (praxi proskyrosis—the process of incorporating small plots into a building block) was carried out by the Ypiresia Domisis (Town Planning Service) of the Municipality and ratified by the Periferia Attikis (Region of Attica). Through an exodikos symvivasmos (out-of-court settlement), the Municipality ratified the transfer of a section of approximately 382 square meters to private owners. However, in the decision determining the unit price, the Municipality had stipulated that the area must maintain its character, ensure no restrictions on use by citizens, and remain open for access to public utility networks. Regardless of ownership, Greek legislation does not permit the arbitrary renaming of streets without the consensus of the competent municipal bodies.