Widespread anger has erupted across rural Greece following the announcement that 204 branches of Hellenic Post (ELTA) will close immediately. The move has provoked protests from local authorities, political parties, and citizens, who warn it will severely impact services in remote areas.
According to ELTA, services in affected regions will continue through delivery networks, mobile units, and partner points. The postal service argues that physical branches account for less than 10% of revenue while representing over 50% of costs, justifying the closures.
However, for residents of the Greek countryside, the decision has far-reaching social and economic consequences.
Local leaders Voice Alarm, Speaking to ToVima
- Taxiarchis Verros, Mayor of West Lesbos, highlighted the challenges for a municipality spread across 35 villages, many located over 30 km from administrative centers. “Closing these branches will not only degrade postal services but create major obstacles for residents, especially farmers and retirees,” he said.
- Vasilis Kegkeroglou, Mayor of Minoa Pediadas in Crete, warned that areas recovering from natural disasters rely heavily on post offices. “Four years after the earthquake, people are still trying to stand on their feet. Moves like this push residents further away from the countryside,” he noted.
- Theodoros Baris, Mayor of Erymanthos in Achaia, echoed concerns about mountainous communities becoming depopulated, stating closures threaten quality of life and access to essential services such as banks, schools, and health centers.
- Antonios Goudaras, Mayor of Agia in Larissa, described the closures as the “final blow” for villages already experiencing depopulation and service cuts, arguing that daily life is increasingly dependent on urban centers.
Postal services as a lifeline
ELTA carries a universal obligation to provide postal services nationwide. Yet, lack of long-term planning, insufficient funding, and failure to modernize threaten the public service’s viability. For many rural citizens—particularly the elderly—the post office is the only point for essential transactions, including pension collection, while local mail carriers provide vital connections to the wider world.
