Konstantinos Kyranakis gave a comprehensive interview on Parapolitika 90.1 and the show “She and I”. Speaking about buses, he emphasized that “125 new electric buses are coming to Piraeus on Wednesday,” noting that the commitment for 1,075 new buses by the end of the first quarter of 2026 is becoming reality. Regarding the Electric Railway, he referred to an overall upgrade effort, pointing out that after Easter the first train arrives, something that hadn’t happened, as he said, since the Olympic Games, while in 2027, the goal is for service frequency to be reduced from 8 to 5 minutes.
Mr. Kyranakis also launched direct attacks against Thymios Lyberopoulos, stating that “he serves interests,” while noting that “we serve the interests of ordinary taxi drivers,” referring to long-standing issues being resolved, such as the transfer of taxi licenses, as well as the conversion of taxis to minivans. Meanwhile, referring to the Tempe trial, he said that the “chaos” on the first day of the trial has “moral perpetrators.” “Certain political figures, such as Ms. Konstantopoulou, invest in the logic of chaos. It will now be controlled whether those who have a role in the trial enter the courtroom – the day before yesterday, people who had no role in the trial also entered.”
Excerpts from Konstantinos Kyranakis’ interview on Parapolitika 90.1
Initially, referring to the legislation that was established, he said that “we are making a very significant blow to corruption, regarding license plates. Previously, someone who wanted more special license plates went and dealt with the Region. We now have an electronic system, an auction, to get the plate you want. The envelope payment is cut off. The same with driving licenses – cases come to my office reporting that employees ask for envelope payments. Driving schools take on the cost, now cameras are installed in all vehicles, so an examinee and examiner have a means to defend themselves for, for example, failing the test.”
Regarding taxis, electrification existed since 2021, however it’s mentioned that the goal is to give work to specific interests. “Many spoke about sudden death for taxis, the paranoia of many taxi driver unionists doesn’t correspond to reality. We gave exceptions to electrification,” Mr. Kyranakis emphasized and added: “What interests do I serve? Mr. Lyberopoulos serves the interests of diesel companies or serves the interests of taxi fleets, who complain about electrification, who aren’t covered by the exceptions. We serve the interests of ordinary taxi drivers.”
Kyranakis: Lyberopoulos asked me to relax the criminal record law, I didn’t change it
Regarding the criminal record and renewal of taxi licenses for which there are objections, he said he’s puzzled by these reactions and added: “Our daughters get into a taxi. Do we want the driver to have an irrevocable conviction for, say, assault? Since 2012 a related law applies, which PASOK also voted for – taxi drivers and specifically Mr. Lyberopoulos asked me to relax the law, I didn’t change it. And all this amid images of beating their colleagues, taxi drivers. I believe the majority of taxi drivers want to upgrade their sector – Lyberopoulos and professional unionists don’t represent the sector well.”
For taxis and the transfer of licenses from generation to generation (based on Sunday Afternoon reporting), he said “we solved it. If someone has co-ownership and one, for example, passes away, the other was trapped and couldn’t operate the license. This is solved based on a proposal from the Federation, which we adopted.” Also, licenses are allowed for converting taxis to nine-seat minivans, as he noted.
For private cars (minivans), he said that “taxis have priority, but when Greece has achieved increased tourism (Athens has 12-month tourism), people need to move around somehow. We must provide more transport work – there’s work for everyone.”
Kyranakis: All Attica buses this year will have air conditioning and wheelchair ramps
Next Wednesday, April 1st, 125 new electric buses are coming to Piraeus. We’re reaching 1,075 new ones by the end of the first quarter of 2026, as per the relevant commitment. We’ve already added increased frequency and drivers on busy bus routes. All Attica buses this year will have air conditioning and wheelchair ramps.
Regarding bus stops: “Shelters belong to municipalities. Most here in Attica have a very decent appearance, but there are others that have abandoned them. After two complaints, OASA will intervene and send the bill to the Municipality.” Also, “we will subsidize from the OSY Driving School the cost of obtaining a license, aiming to increase drivers.”
Kyranakis on Metro: New trains on Line 3 from autumn – Goal to reduce waiting from 4 to 3.5 minutes
For the Metro, he said: “A train needs 4 minutes to reach Line 3. From autumn 2026, new trains on Line 3, aiming to reduce waiting to 3.5 minutes.”
On the Electric Railway, the first new ISAP train arrives after Easter. For the first time a new train comes after the Olympic Games. All trains will have air conditioning. The old ones are being dressed in “beautiful” colors, aiming for 2027 frequency to go from 8 to 5 minutes.
Kyranakis on Tempe trial: It will now be controlled whether those who have a role in the trial enter the courtroom
On the Tempe trial: “My job is to ensure two trains don’t collide on the same track again. I’m absolutely committed to my work, to fix the trains.” Regarding government officials’ objections about the courtroom, the “chaos” on the first day of the trial has “moral perpetrators.”
“Certain political figures, such as Ms. Konstantopoulou, invest in the logic of chaos. It will now be controlled whether those who have a role in the trial enter the courtroom – the day before yesterday, people who had no role in the trial also entered,” he noted.
For the remote control system we’ll have in its entirety this summer, he said it applies and we’re now “100% certain” that such a tragedy like Tempe won’t be repeated. He added that “with railway.gov.gr we’re changing what happened, with the blank forms and shift changes,” also emphasizing that “the training of station masters and train drivers has changed.”
“If Tal Dilian wants to say something, let him say it directly”
On the phone surveillance case and PASOK’s request for an investigative committee, he said: “Justice proceeds with its work.” Referring to Tal Dilian’s statements and the comparison with Nixon, he said that “if he wants to say something, let him say it directly.” “Justice will judge whether Tal Dilian is a slanderer.”
Regarding Big Mouth and suggestions for early elections, the prime minister has proven he acts institutionally. He accepts such suggestions, but has said we’ll reach the end of the four-year term. Greece is stronger, more powerful, defends national interests – the average wage reached 1,513 euros in 2026, while the commitment was for wages to reach this level in 2027. Drivers are now paid 1,400 euros, instead of 800 euros under SYRIZA. Unemployment is at 7.7%.”
