The unique institution of Domestic Property in Kythera

The thesis entitled «Domestic Asset Management: The Case of the Island of Kythera» was prepared by the Deuterreou Anna (A.M. 2001197).

The work was presented on May 2006 in Technological Educational Institute (T.E.I.) of Kalamata, in the context of her studies in School of Management and Economics, in Department of Local Government.

The author completed the research under the supervision of Professor Dimitris Stamatopoulos, focusing on the study of this unique administrative institution in Kythera, analyzing both its historical background and its modern economic and administrative function.

Introduction

Domestic Property is a special institution of Local Government with deep historical, legal and social roots. It is a remnant of the ownership of the Ionian State, which is preserved unchanged until today exclusively in Kythera.

Historical Background

Establishment: The legal basis of the institution is located in Constitution of 1817 of the «United State of the Ionian Islands».

Union with Greece (1864): During the Union of the Ionian Islands, this property was not transferred to the Greek State, but remained in the ownership of the local communities..

Modern Fortification: The institution was enshrined in law by the Law 1416/1984, which recognised the Domestic Property as Legal Person of Public Law (N.P.D.D.).

What does Domestic Property include?; According to Article 84 of Law No. 1416/1984, the property includes:

1. Areas: Forests, forest, grassland, agricultural and urban land not owned by private individuals.

2. Islets: All the rocky islets around Kythera.

3. Holy Shrines: Its movable and immovable property Panagia Myrtidiotissa, of Saint Moni and of St. John «in a cave».

Administration and Management The management is carried out by a five-member Domestic Property Committee, which is elected every four years by an electoral college of 23 members (Mayor, Kythera Town Council and Antikythera Community Council).

• The Commission has powers equivalent to those of a city council.

• The net proceeds are distributed to the Municipality of Kythera and the Community of Antikythera in proportion to their population.

Financial data (2000-2005) The total income (Domestic + Shrines) showed a steady upward trend, reaching from 227.119 € in 2000 to 330.016 € in 2005.

Challenges and Problems Despite its importance, the institution is facing difficulties:

Understaffing: Lack of qualified staff for secretarial support.

Legal Gaps: State delays in issuing decrees, leading to power vacuums.

Encroachments: Continuous attempts to encroach on land by third parties.

The Domestic Property is a unique privilege for Kythera. Its preservation is crucial for the social and economic life of the island, ensuring its historical uniqueness and the protection of its natural wealth.