Shocking Claim Against Regional Administration in Yunanistan: 23,8 Million Euro Direct Tender Scandal

Very serious transparency allegations have emerged regarding the administration of Governor Topşidis (Top tsidis) in the Doğu Makedonya ve Trakya (AMTH) Region of Yunanistan. In a statement made by the opposition political group named Bağımsız Birleşik Girişim, it is claimed that the administration intentionally delayed public tenders during its 2,5-year tenure. It is stated that the regional administration almost completely abandoned open tender methods in favor of direct tenders, creating a massive burden on the state budget. Authorities suggest that a massive budget of 23,8 million euros was spent through non-transparent, behind-closed-doors, and highly ambiguous procedures. All these allegations raise concerns about the inclusion of local businesses in the competition, paving the way for a new political crisis in the region.

According to the detailed report provided by the aforementioned opposition group, the rate of direct tenders in the region has reached alarming proportions in recent years. While 87,5 percent of the tenders conducted in 2024 were completed directly, meaning without a competing process, this rate increased to 88,9 percent in 2025. It is noted that in the first six-month period of 2026, these rates peaked at 90,8 percent. Although the national average hovers around 77 percent, the fact that the Doğu Makedonya ve Trakya Region multiplies these figures raises serious doubts about the negligence of the authorities. It is claimed that the regional administration bypassed standard tender processes for nine out of every ten needs by citing 'extraordinary and urgent' justifications.

The greatest cost created by direct tenders has been the inefficient use of public resources and the state missing out on the discounts it should have received. During this 30-month period, a massive payment of 23,8 million euros, including taxes, was covered through direct demands. The lack of a competitive environment prevented the state from obtaining an estimated discount of around 40 percent. This situation caused a loss of at least 7,6 million euros to the regional budget, leading to the poor quality of services financed by public taxes. It is noted that this lost amount could have been allocated to much more critical issues in the region that have been awaiting solutions for years, such as infrastructure, healthcare, and road safety.

The distortion of the administration's spending priorities and the diversion of resources to superficial needs are also among the allegations. According to the claims, while the regional administration spent 6,94 million euros on showcase projects such as catering, events, and PR, it allocated only 6,37 million euros to road safety and basic infrastructure works. Furthermore, it is stated that tenders were divided into small pieces (awarded piece by piece) to avoid open tenders through illegal or unethical means, and this situation has been the subject of serious warnings by the Sayıştay. Instead of revitalizing the local economy, it is claimed that the works were handed over to a specific, narrow circle of partisan contractors. Authorities argue that only 20 percent of public tenders actually consist of genuine urgent needs, and the rest arise entirely from a lack of planning.

The Bağımsız Birleşik Girişim party promises to radically change this reckless and non-transparent financial picture in the region if they come to power. Within the scope of the action plan they announced, it is stated that annual consolidated and open tenders for regular needs such as catering and maintenance will be made mandatory. By creating a digital platform where all tender intentions will be shared with the public in advance, it is aimed to create an atmosphere of transparency so that local businesses can compete on equal terms. Additionally, it is planned to end the practice of hiring external consultants at high fees, professionalize bureaucratic staff, and strengthen audit mechanisms. The goal is to allocate at least 70 percent of the region's resources to areas that directly affect the welfare of society, such as road safety, flood prevention, and healthcare.