Thread by @ecpoir

#Athens #Greece: the Mayor (nephew of the current prime-minister with high political ambitions of his own) cut off a piece of a central artery and painted the road to claim he "created a bike-road".

That's how he will claim #EU money.

But did he?

#μεγαλος_περιγελος 1/

Cost of each white metal box: 550 euro. They are clearly beyond overpriced.

Monthly unemployment benefits 480 euro.

570 of these boxes were bought (313 k).

They are also dangerous for bikers & drivers, esp. due to sharp angles.

#Athens #Greece #EU #μεγαλος_περιγελος 2/

These circular "tubs" cost 1600 - 5000 euro. Again, it's just plain metal painted white, without even a plant watering mechanism or anything special.

It's not just the ridiculous expense, it's the complete disrespect to public funds.

#Athens #Greece #EU #μεγαλος_περιγελος 3/

But the cake goes to these perimetric benches, at 5.700 euro EACH. Yes, each. Can you believe it?

They are made of metal, which makes them as hot as a grill on a sunny day (May-September). You can barbecue food on them.

#Athens #Greece #EU #μεγαλος_περιγελος 4/

A plan of this, ehmmm, quality, was of course carried out through an official public call for offers from the private sector.

Companies had 2 work days to submit their quotations with exact specifications etc. Beyond fishy.

#Athens #Greece #EU #μεγαλος_περιγελος 5/

Last week a 9 y.o. girl fainted due to hunger, her mother being an unemployed hotel worker with benefits of 41 euro / month for 2 kids.

While the Mayor of #Athens spent 1.1 million to boost his political image & fill some friendly pockets.

#Greece #EU #μεγαλος_περιγελος 6/

The company which carried out the painting of the road, is "Kraft paints".

Their PR is handled by "AEA Relate" owned by - can you guess? - the Mayor's own sister.

(Their mother, ex foreign minister, current member of parliament.)

#Athens #Greece #EU #μεγαλος_περιγελος 7/