 In 1994, to his consternation, Kouris failed to run as New Democracy candidate mayor for Athens, with Dimitris Avramopoulos earning the nomination instead.In 1995, Mayor Avramopoulos awarded his predecessor, Kouris, the Golden Medal of Athens, a major honour of this municipality.As head of KEDKE, he pursued the enlargement of the administrative autonomy and financial self-reliance of municipalities and their communities.