Hard attack against the Municipal Authority and the attitude of the major opposition is launched by the head of the faction «Free Kythera» Anargyros Sophios. In a text published in full below, Mr. Sophios accuses the Mayor Mr. Harhalakis and the head of the major opposition Mr. Souris for strategic alliance in order to secure power and the management of public works, creating a «regime of decadence». The document describes a chaotic situation in the island's infrastructure just before Easter, referring to unworthy people in positions of responsibility, and concludes with an immediate call for a radical change in the municipality's management model.
Kythira 04/04/2026
Since the election period of 2023, watching the evolution of the political scene, with the creation of the faction led by Mr.Souris, two months before the elections, it had become obvious, and we stated it publicly, that this faction was created in order not to overturn the existing mechanism that preys on public works and to ensure the continuation of the regime of decadence of our island.
«With three combinations Harhalakis will come out», they all said. And that's exactly what happened.
Then, in the city councils, we noticed that on public works issues, only our party was making substantial interventions and asking substantive questions. In the Municipal Committee, there was complete identification.
Then in the election for the Domestic Property Board, although I persistently tried to persuade the Mayor not to re-nominate Mr. Venardo, I was unsuccessful. This is because the entire “opposition” faction supported his nomination.
I do not even need to mention the election of Mr Souris as President of the Karava Community. Had it not been for the support of the majority party, this election would not have taken place.
It was therefore obvious that these two factions were working in concert.
And we come to today. A week before Easter we see Mr. Harhalakis and Mr. Souris arguing in public about a (anyway sham) budget. Whether it was voted for or against, whether it was sent on time or not, whether it was right or wrong. An artificial contest between them, attempting to turn the focus away from their non-existent positions on Syralis' weighty allegations, and certainly a contest that is completely out of touch with the needs of every one of our fellow citizens.
At the very moment the first visitors start arriving in Kythera and the island reminds us of a minefield.
At the same time we receive three or four phone calls every day from indignant citizens.
At the same time businesses are forced to refund money to customers.
At the same time we lost another summer.
At the same time that with the negative criticism of visitors we will lose more summers.
At the same time as everyone's cars are being destroyed by the state of the roads and no one is talking.
At the same time the project company issues a notice of lack of asphalt mix, while a local company states that it has it.
At the same time, half of the island is dug up and the rest that is not, is in an even worse state.
At the same time none of us has clear and sufficient information about what is going to happen.
At the same time we see our island deteriorating.
Unfortunately, in our islands we are paying the Harhalakis administration not only for the choice of projects, but also for the choice of people. Persons unworthy of their duties to occupy positions of responsibility.
And that's what needs to change. The mindset and practice of the administration. With a radical, structural change in our municipal management model. Not just faces. That is what we now demand.
The daily life of all citizens must be a priority.
Their smooth living should be an obligation of the administration and not a matter of discretion.
So as not to miss another Easter.
So that another tourist season is not lost.
So that one more young person, one more family does not leave our country.
Just before the holy days of Easter, I will not announce «future developments», as others do. But I do ask you to reflect on all of the above and discuss them at family and friends' dinner tables over the days. And if there is disagreement I will be happy to hear it.
The time has come to stop paying for the choices of a system that favours the few and bring in a system that favours everyone.
We have an obligation in our country to put an end to fear-mongering and division. With the aim of unity and development.
All the sane and responsible people of this country must join together to change this situation. There is no other way.
I wish everyone a Holy Week of health, less hatred and more love.
Happy Resurrection.
With respect
Sophios Anargyros
Head of the Democratic Party “Free Kythera”
