Yiannis Fostiropoulos: “There is an urgent need for smart and modern cities with a social character”
The mayor of Palio Faliro speaks to White Paper about the great “bet” on sustainable development in the southern sector of Attica, which can act as a guide for the entire Greek economy.
- 11/07/2025, 11:58
The mayor of Palio Faliro, Yiannis Fostiropoulos, welcomed me in his office, with a sincere desire to talk not only about his area, but also about everything that is changing in the southern sector of Attica. In the following interview, he speaks fondly of Palaio Faliro, which he characterizes as a historic area of strategic importance, while advocating the need for the Local Government to collaborate, evolve and use technology and sustainable development in practice, creating today’s “smart” cities that place the citizen at the center.
The last decade in the Municipality of Palaio Faliro has been a period of multi-faceted reform. What would you single out as the main milestones of your term from 2019 to the present?
Initially, let me point out that when we took over the municipal authority, we did not start from scratch, but found tools to utilize, as well as projects and infrastructure, which had already progressed. Of course, we also identified omissions that we are trying to correct, as Palaio Faliro is a densely built city that needs additional spaces for parks, squares and places of refuge, so that it can breathe. Our main priorities for the Municipality include sustainable development, improving the everyday life of the citizens and preserving our natural heritage. These are three pillars on which we are building a city worthy of our expectations. Important projects are underway, such as the 400-space underground parking lot. At the same time, the regeneration of Flisvos will create new green and recreational areas, enhancing the ecological and aesthetic outlook of our area.
Can you describe to us specific projects and initiatives that are being implemented in the Palaio Faliro area and how they serve the local community and visitors?
If we start from the east, from the Pikrodafni creek, one of the most important projects is its demarcation. This creek connects Ilioupoli, Agios Dimitrios, Alimos and Palaio Faliro with the Hymettus mountain range. There, the Edem area begins, which took its name from a restaurant that has been there for 100 years and continues to operate to this day. From there begins the open and free beach of the Municipality of Palaio Faliro. In the so-called Attica Riviera, we are the only Municipality where the entire stretch of sandy coastline is open and free to the public. All we ask from visitors is to respect it.
What is current state of the reconstruction of Flisvos and what improvements do you expect it to bring to the area?
The reconstruction of Flisvos brings one of the most historic points of the city to the forefront. It is a symbol of history, memory and cultural heritage for Palaio Faliro and Attica. A complete renovation is underway and right next to it, an underground parking lot with 400 parking spaces will be built. 12 million euros in funding has been approved, while an additional sum of 5 million euros is being sought based on the final estimates.
In the regeneration of Flisvos, we must also add the Attica Region’s project for the coastal bikelane – pedestrian path.
This large project is part of the southern coastal axis, where the 18-km-long coastal bike lane -pedestrian path is being prepared. Since there are resources available from the Recovery Fund, it is important to proceed immediately with a comprehensive study that will upgrade the existing infrastructure. The changes that have occurred in recent years with the sea currents due to the Alimos marina and Kifissos works, have created a beach in Palaio Faliro, which in many places exceeds 4050 meters. We must utilize this width for the benefit of citizens.
How does the municipality fit in and what role will it play within the broader framework of the “Athenian Riviera” project?
It is an ambitious and extremely important project, and all eyes are now focused on it. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is already in operation, while The Ellinikon is progressing. At the same time, at the initiative of the Region of Attica, the new Metropolitan Park in Faliro Bay, named ‘Aenaon,’ is being created, covering an area of approximately 54 hectares (133 acres). All of this can be unified and become something great for the
residents and visitors of Attica, but also for the residents of the entire basin.
Finally, I would like to ask you what your strate gic plan is for the Municipality.
Very recently, the Municipal Council approved our collaboration with a cluster of businesses, the “Pleiades”, with the aim of making our city better and more modern. We will try to implement what ever innovation there is for the benefit of the citizens and we will each take our share of responsibility. At the same time, we want to strengthen businesses, because this brings economic leverage to the area. Finally, we must not forget shipping, as the sector has important companies with which we have been collaborating closely in recent years. We are trying to have very good communication and show them that the Local Government is not a stagnant environment with old-fashioned mayors; they are modern people who love their cities and can safeguard public benefit through cooperation with private entities.
Published in “White Paper: The Big Business of the South”, NouPou Media’s special edition spotlighting the current landscape and future prospects of the Athens Riviera.