The abrupt announcement by Hellenic Post (EL.TA) that it was closing 204 branches nationwide sparked a political firestorm Friday, prompting the government to schedule an emergency parliamentary review.
The state-run postal service's management, which has long cited millions in annual losses, made the cost-cutting measure effective immediately.
The sheer number of closures, including 40 in the greater Athens-Piraeus area, reportedly surprised employees and the public.
The move drew immediate criticism from opposition parties and members of the ruling New Democracy party. Former minister Stelios Petsas argued the decision ignores the need to serve the public, particularly the elderly and residents of border regions.
In response, Economy and Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis agreed to convene two parliamentary committees on Tuesday. Mr. Pierrakakis said EL.TA's top executives will be present to answer questions, but warned that "difficult decisions must be taken" to resolve the service's financial problems.
In a statement, EL.TA said the 204 branches had "minimal commercial activity," with some losing over €150,000 annually.
The company insisted services would continue via mobile units and postal carriers equipped with handheld devices for "door-to-door" transactions.