With a message instead of a “farewell”, which ends with the phrase “it was my honor”, the outgoing mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis, one day before handing over the administration of the municipality, wishes the new mayor good luck, noting that “the forearm is now high.”

At the same time, he addresses the citizens of the capital, stressing that “the Athens of 2023 is far from the one we received in 2019” and declares that he is “proud of our work”. As he points out, Athens can “continue to move quickly” as it “now has the plan, the resources, the means and the tools” to take advantage.

In the same message, he emphasizes that he will continue to “serve and honor” the Athenians and that he will exercise creative opposition in the new municipal council. “I am handing over the administration of the municipality, I am not leaving Athens”, he emphasizes characteristically.

Finally, he addresses a “thank you” to all his partners for the “battle” they fought together, as well as to his family for their wholehearted support in his endeavor.

“The new mayor takes over tomorrow. I wish him success to benefit the citizens and the city. The bar is now high. Where we promised that we would raise him”, says Mr. Bakoyiannis initially and continues:

“The Athens of 2023 is far from the one we received in 2019. It was a term that counted for more. I am proud of our work. I wish every mayor feels that way when he closes the door behind him. It’s freedom to be able to walk down the street and look people in the eye.

I am handing over the administration of the municipality, I am not leaving Athens. In the Municipal Council I will exercise a creative opposition. I owe it to the Athenians, whom I will continue to honor and serve. I owe it to this city that can’t bear to “brake” again.

Today, Athens is moving fast, many opportunities are spread before it. He now has the plan, the resources, the means and the tools. We hope that the new administration will take advantage of them. There are many projects that need to be completed, there is still a long way to go for a city that will not put obstacles in the lives of its residents. Which will provide security and exude freedom and creativity for all and sundry.

A big “thank you” to the President of the Municipal Council, the vice-mayors, the municipal and community councilors, the administrations of organizations, institutions, school committees, friendship clubs, the candidates of “Athens High”, all his girlfriends and friends combination with which we fought the battle together.

Recognition and respect for the executives and employees of the Municipality of Athens, OPANDA, KYADA, DAEM, EATA, “Mitropolitiko Prasinos”, the Educational Foundation of the Municipality of Athens, the Prevention Center Athena Hygeia and EASY. With them as allies, the municipality managed to overcome its historical self.

Finally, warm thanks to my colleagues, with whom we have now created lifelong bonds, as well as to my family who wholeheartedly supported my effort.”

And the outgoing mayor concludes: “I wish with all my heart that Athens and the lives of the citizens become better every year than the last. To this, I will contribute without second thoughts. It was my honor”.