The House Control Committee today criticised repeated delays in constructing a new building to house both the Ministry of Defence and the National Guard General Staff (GEEF).
During discussion of the 2023 Audit Office report, MPs also raised serious concerns over:
- Poor monitoring of property requisitions and expropriations for defence purposes
- Over-reliance on military officers for civilian posts at the Ministry
- Training and feeding of conscripts
New HQ: years away
The planned complex in Lakatamia (over 22,000 m²) still awaits final Ministry of Finance approval to tender the construction study. Officials estimate at least five years for completion once started. Current rental costs exceed €800,000 annually.
Requisitions: a decades-old scandal
Committee President Zacharias Koulias (DIKO) called the requisition system “a scandal that has ruined families for decades.” He urged the state to either expropriate affected land with fair compensation or return it.
MP Alekos Tryfonides (DIPA) highlighted contradictory government actions: one department grants building permits while another requisitions the same land.
Other key issues raised
- Over 140 National Guard officers still fill civilian Ministry posts despite efforts to replace them
- More than 40 ongoing court challenges to “honorary discharge” decisions
- Slow progress on photovoltaic installations and greywater recycling
- Legal grey area over military vehicle use for personal commuting
Positive notes
Officials reported improvements in catering (47% now outsourced), planned pay incentives for contract soldiers (SYOP), and stricter controls on official vehicle use.
The Audit Office praised overall cooperation with the Ministry despite persistent challenges.
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