George Papadopoulos, Chairman of the 69th Annual Kifissia Flower Show
Mr. President, what surprises does the Kifissia Flower Exhibition have in store for us this year?
The 69th Flower Exhibition will generally have the same familiar appearance as in recent years. The thematic part of our Flower Exhibition, which began in recent years, is an idea that should be maintained in the future, as it attracts thousands of visitors who come not necessarily to buy a plant at an attractive price as was the case in the past, but also to admire our gardens created with skill by our expert collaborators, agronomists, landscape architects, giving the exhibition its special character that was missing from our Flower Exhibition. Our theme park, titled “GREEK GARDENS”, is based on the creation of gardens with Greek and Mediterranean colors from the flora that develops in our region. The social message of our solidarity and cooperation Flower Exhibition will be showcased through the participation of recognized institutions that provide social work such as the Vision of Hope, the Sikiarides Foundation, the Volunteer Forest Firefighters-Rescuers Group, and the Animal Welfare Society “AGAPI”. Additionally, the cultural part of this year’s exhibition will take place on a specially designed covered stage that will provide improved audio-visual effects to the audience, as well as a better experience for the artists and members of our local community who will present their cultural work.
You have served the Municipality of Kifisia for many years and in various positions. How do you believe the development will come?
Development comes when there is an operational plan, based on needs and always in cooperation with the citizen. Experience has taught us that the implementation of a project is a prerequisite for constructive dialogue with the interested parties. There have been many instances where development measures have been taken that have resulted in the opposite effect, precisely for the above reason.
Energy cost and environmental footprint are two goals for green development. What is your opinion?
The countries of the European Union, with the European Green Deal, have begun the transition towards the goal of zero emissions by 2050. This effort is being made to reduce the rate of climate change that is already occurring and threatening us. In the process of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and other sources that are considered green, unfortunately, we can expect increases in energy costs. However, the plan envisages the revival of a new economy, with new jobs, based on green energy, and with all the changes that will be made on this basis, we expect a reduction in the cost of it. Of course, the world has become complex, with tensions and unexpected events like COVID-19, so it is not clear when the cost of energy will decrease and until then, what the fluctuations will be, along with all the social implications they create. Global cooperation is necessary, as environmental pollution knows no borders. Greece is rightly at the forefront of this transition because it is a paradise that must be protected. To make this happen, we must act collaboratively, intelligently, and decisively at both the local and national levels.
In the upcoming local elections, you will be a candidate for Regional Councilor of Attica. How did you make this decision?
The Regional level is the natural progression for a local government official with long experience in municipal administration. Furthermore, I believe that when the people have honored you at the local level and you have held positions for several years, you should make room for other new people to try and offer their services in the area that is now considered saturated for you or your fellow citizens.
We wish you Good Luck!
