He calls on the Minister of National Defence to submit to Parliament data on the real benefit from the mergers of military camps, the cost of guarding and maintaining the facilities that were closed, and the results of the utilization of military property, according to PASOK MP and head of the party’s Defence Sector Michalis Katrinis, through a question and a request for the submission of documents, following cooperation with the party’s Defence sector.
As he points out, the Ministry has announced mergers of 137 military camps and planning for another 45, projecting additional savings of 16.5 million euros annually. However, the cessation of operation of a military camp does not reduce its expenses to zero. The facilities still require guarding, maintenance and fire protection, while they may also tie up Armed Forces personnel.
Michalis Katrinis raises the question of whether these expenses have been taken into account in the announced savings, together with the cost of relocating the units and adapting the receiving military camps. He calls on the minister to present the calculation methodology and the net fiscal result for 2025 and 2026.
At the same time, he stresses that the appearance of properties on lists “for utilization” does not constitute proof of completed work. The question concerns how many former military camps have acquired a new use, how many generate revenue, and how many remain without an approved plan. For the pending utilization cases, the MP demands specific timetables, budgets and identification of the obstacles.
In relation to the operation of the Armed Forces Real Estate Utilization Agency, he points out that the completion of the prescribed parliamentary procedure for the President and the appointment of the Board of Directors does not appear to have taken place. He therefore raises questions about the official start of operation of the Agency, its Regulations, and the bodies that currently approve expenses and utilization decisions.
Finally, he requests that the financial calculations, the cost and guarding data, the utilization plans, and the acts documenting the operation and administration of the Agency be submitted.