Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Monday a significant increase in funding for the “Marietta Giannakou” program, which supports the renovation and upgrading of public schools.
The expansion will be financed through an additional €300 million donation over three years from Greece’s four systemic banks, on top of the €100 million they had already contributed. The total commitment from the banks now stands at €400 million, the government said following a meeting at the Maximos Mansion with Hellenic Bank Association President Gikas Hardouvelis, Alpha Bank CEO Vassilis Psaltis, Eurobank CEO Fokion Karavias, National Bank of Greece CEO Pavlos Mylonas, and Piraeus Bank CEO Christos Megalou.
Combined with €250 million from the Public Investment Program, the overall budget for school infrastructure projects rises to €650 million. The initiative is expected to cover more than 2,500 school buildings nationwide. The first round of projects, involving renovations at 431 schools, will be completed before the start of the upcoming school year.
Mitsotakis thanked the four banks for “multiplying” their contribution. They stressed the effective cooperation between the state and the private sector, which enabled the rapid completion of upgrades to sports facilities, restrooms, and classrooms within just a few months.
He underlined the importance of the program for students, parents, and local communities, noting that accessibility infrastructure for children and teachers with disabilities is included in every project.
“The ‘Marietta Giannakou’ program is a highly successful example of public-private partnership for a good cause,” the prime minister said. “We had planned to renovate 431 schools, and in just a few days, 431 schools will be delivered to students and teachers. This achievement would not have been possible without the initial generous contribution of the four systemic banks.”
