The widely publicized plan of the Greek government to legalize semi open-air spaces is about to fall apart. Public Works Minister Mr. Souflias seems to be waiting for after the elections to make any statements or announce the conclusion reached by the special committee established for this matter.
The reluctance on behalf of the debated properties owners to pay a fine in order to avoid demolition (according to a survey conducted by the Athens University of Economics) but mostly the fact that the government's plan could be considered unconstitutional have put this matter on hold until further notice.
During a joint press conference held yesterday by attorneys, members of the Technical Chamber of Greece, university professors and members of the State Council, the unconstitutionality of this regulation was strongly stressed, while the speakers blamed past governments for the urban zoning mess they allowed to be created.
The case has already been filed with the State Council, which is expected to rule on the matter within the next few days. In the mean time, the owners of the approximately 1.5 million unlawfully built semi air-spaces are holding their breaths for the outcome.
