In a significant gathering held on October 9, 2025, the President of SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance, Mr. Socrates Famellos, convened with the leadership of the Lakonia Chamber of Commerce and various local stakeholders in Gythio, Lakonia. This meeting underscored the collaborative efforts to address pressing issues faced by the region.
Key participants included former Minister Mr. Stavros Arachovitis, Chamber President Mr. Ioannis Panaritis, and other notable figures such as the First Vice President Mr. Ilaias Athanasiadis and Economic Supervisor Mr. Sotiris Roinos. The presence of leaders like Mr. Panagiotis Kritikos, President of the 11th Regional Department of the Economic Chamber of Greece, and Ms. Panagiota Papagiannopoulou, President of the Association of Accountants of Lakonia, further highlighted the importance of this engagement.
During the meeting, the atmosphere was constructive, with discussions focusing on a range of critical issues affecting the Lakonia Prefecture. These included the current state of the road infrastructure, notably the bypass of Skala Vlachiti and the highway between Pyrgos and Gythio, where challenges were outlined regarding their impact on local business operations and general mobility.
Further discussions emphasized the urgent need for actionable measures to tackle the reduction of water resources, address depopulation and desertification in remote areas, and combat the staffing shortages that plague healthcare structures in Lakonia. Participants also raised concerns regarding the under-staffing of public services, particularly in schools, highlighting the need for incentives to attract medical personnel and ensure adequate staffing levels across sectors.
Economic discussions also surfaced, such as the proposal to reduce tax rates to alleviate burdens on entrepreneurs and stimulate recovery amidst inflationary pressures. Moreover, the attendees advocated for initiatives to support agriculture and livestock, including a restructuring of cultivation practices, and the promotion of the Peloponnese as a brand to enhance the visibility of regional products and services in international markets.
Mr. Socrates Famellos urged collaboration among economic stakeholders to identify and document the various issues affecting Lakonia. He concurrently shared SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance’s strategic program tackling essential matters that concern both businesses and citizens alike.
Overall, this meeting marked a pivotal step in uniting local leaders to confront the challenges facing Lakonia, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering economic development and community resilience in the region.