The resignation of ELTA’s CEO, Grigoris Sklikas, caused turbulence within the government and the New Democracy party, following the uproar over the closure of 204 ELTA offices across Greece.
In his resignation letter, Sklikas argued that the restructuring plan is vital for the organization’s sustainability, warning that without its implementation, “in a short period, liquidity and the ability to pay employees’ salaries would be at risk.”
However, the government insists that the reform will proceed as planned, despite opposition both inside and outside the New Democracy parliamentary group.
Marinakis: “Resignation does not mean retreat”
Shortly after Sklikas’ resignation, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, speaking to SKAI 100.3, stressed that “resignation does not imply retreat” and that ELTA’s rationalization is a non-negotiable path.
“The reform is for the benefit of society. Postal services will continue to reach every home,” he said, adding that the government’s goal is “no citizen left without service and no job lost.”
Marinakis clarified that the decision to close certain offices will not be reversed, but there will be “extensive consultations” on how citizens will be served.
“Taxpayers’ money cannot be thrown into a bottomless pit”
The government spokesperson defended the reorganization plan, highlighting that ELTA must operate according to business principles.
“92% of pensions and 90% of parcels are delivered to homes. We cannot throw Greek taxpayers’ money into a bottomless pit,” he said, emphasizing that ELTA is not closing but modernizing.
“Administrative communication was flawed”
Addressing Sklikas’ departure, Marinakis noted that “his contribution, and that of his team, is not erased,” but acknowledged serious communication errors by the management:
“The ELTA administration put the cart before the horse. You cannot announce overnight the closure of 204 offices without prior dialogue,” he said.
“ELTA is not closing — it’s going to citizens’ homes”
Marinakis compared ELTA’s transition to the broader societal shift into the digital era:
“Just as no one goes to video rental stores anymore, ELTA is evolving. Society changes, and services go directly to homes. ELTA now goes to the citizen.”
He reiterated that no jobs are at risk and that alternative service points will exist where offices are closing.
“The reform will happen with dialogue and respect”
Closing, Marinakis assured that a meeting with the new management will be held and decisions will be made “for the benefit of society,” through consultations with political parties, MPs, and local communities.
“The political will is clear. The reform will be implemented — with dialogue, realism, and respect for citizens,” he concluded.