The process of finalizing the study for the local urban planning plan of the Municipality of Kythira became evident following yesterday’s “consultation” incomplete and restrictive.
It is clear that announcing the presentation on February 3 and holding it on February 7—without even first making the plan and the alternative scenarios public—could notto productive results.
The fact that those in charge have met the standard deadlines and that there is a five-day deadline for submitting comments clearly does not constitute a model of democratic participation in this issue, which is so important for our islands.
Unfortunately, responsibility for this process does not lie solely with the Ministry of Environment and Energy; it is also a long-standing practice of the mayor, who prefers closed-door procedures and a one-man rule.
It was precisely this closed-door process that led to the shortcomings in the plans that were presented, the main ones being the incomplete mapping of agricultural land, the identification of non-existent areas at an elevation of 500 meters, the omission opinion on the land in the local area. .
As far as we know, opposition councilors had repeatedly requested that the process be reopened, a request that the mayor turned a deaf ear to.
In our opinion, the researchers’ intentions are good, and they are not necessarily experts in local tactics to suppress the views of the local community. .
Consequently, there is room for improvement and for addressing these shortcomings. In addition to the fields of architecture and civil engineering, which are directly related, we believe it is necessary for elected officials to contribute local communities, representatives of the tourism sector, the boards of cooperatives and any producer groups, as well as sports and cultural associations. .
These entities must be officially invited by the Municipality if we truly wish to uphold the spirit of consultation. Of course, this must be preceded by notification that the a draft of the study and an introductory text in the invitation highlighting the importance of the final decisions over the next fifteen years.
A reasonable period of time should be allowed for the submission of proposals and objections before conclusions are reached.
Since the things that unite us are more than the things that divide us, our goal must be consensus-building processes and finding common ground.
Meaningful citizen participation is a factor that strengthens democracy and limits of irrational and disparaging views on politics.
08/02/2025
Manos Trifyllis
pharmacist
Local Council Member for Potamos
