The mayors of Yeri and Latsia, Neophytos Papalazarou and Christos Pittaras, have expressed their vehement opposition to the potential construction of new buildings to accommodate unaccompanied migrant children within their municipal boundaries.
The pair penned a joint letter to Deputy Social Welfare Minister Marilena Evangelou, citing as the primary reason the “escalating reactions of the areas’ residents”, saying they have received “dozens” of messages from concerned residents.
They added that given a perceived lack of information on the matter and the wider issue of migration from the government, the public’s trust in the government in this regard is “ailing”.
They also underlined their upset that at the House interior committee last month, it was mentioned that the proposed buildings in question may be used to house adults.
They wished to point out that they are not opposed to the idea of any migrants living within their municipal boundaries, saying “hundreds of foreigners have been living here for years”, and that the people in question have integrated into society.
“We expect assurances or a withdrawal of the state’s intentions so that it can become possible to return to our normal lives.”