Greece will grant water and electricity access to thousands of illegally built homes throughout the country, the government said Wednesday, in a move the opposition slammed as a political ploy.
The measure, included in a bill to be introduced in the country's parliament soon, is aimed at "putting order" into Greece's disordered town planning system, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said.

But the opposition said the measure was a bid by the ruling socialist party to boost its fortunes ahead of next spring's general elections.

"The government has in an unserious and populist manner launched late and in the pre-electoral period promises to disadvantaged families," said Savvas Tsitouridis, a lawmaker for the conservative New Democracy party.
"With a pre-election ploy the prime minister and government are encouraging and perpetuating illegal behavior," he added.
Thousands of Greeks have built or extended their homes without official clearance, particularly in the populous western suburbs of Athens.

Their owners will be allowed access to the country's electricity and water utilities, provided they have paid a fine and their homes are within the boundaries of an existing town planning district, the government said.

The Socialist Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) under Prime Minister Costas Simitis hopes to win a fourth consecutive term. The party has been in power for 19 out of the last 22 years.