The journalist Yannis Koroneos publicly commented on what the Mayor of Kythera Stratos Harhalakis said about the recent KEDE conference in Alexandroupolis, strongly criticizing his attitude.
Mr Koroneos stresses that the government lost an absolute majority in the KEDE, as several mayors differentiated themselves by opposing the continuous removal of resources and competences from the municipalities. He points out that the Douca faction (PASOK-SYRIZA) called for resource allocation, energy autonomy and special care for small and island municipalities - a proposal that did not pass for just three votes.
Referring to Mr. Harhalakis, notes that, instead of defending Kythera and the needs of the island municipality, he chose to stand positively against government announcements.
He concludes by saying that, while the Mayor is concerned about Evros, «we are concerned about Kythera, which is increasingly withering away».
The following is the comment of Mr. Koroneiou.
«It's about going crazy. The Congress of the KEDE in Alexandroupolis took place. The government lost an absolute majority because several mayors who had been elected with the support of the New Democracy Party reacted to the constant removal of resources and powers.
The faction supported jointly by PASOK-SYRIZA with
Led by the Mayor of Athens Harris Doukas, among others, he asked:
“Payment of all statutory funds and retained amounts.
Covering energy costs and restoring energy autonomy.
Restoration of the initial percentage of the Green Fund resources allocated to the local authorities.
Safeguarding social structures and reopening those that have been closed.
Withdrawal of regulations that remove powers (urban planning authorities, DEYA, KOK).
Establishment of a regular dialogue between the KEDE and the Ministries.
Special programmes for mountainous, small and island municipalities.
Strengthening the participation of municipalities in policy-making for energy, housing, environment and social cohesion.
No further loss of resources or powers.”.
This proposal failed to pass by 3 votes (82 to 79), while the KKE faction again preferred the loneliness of 10 votes...
Regarding the Mayor of Kythera, the report says that «the announcements of the Minister of Interior were important, while he left troubled after what he said about the quiet colonization of Evros» ....
In short, I support the government which is taking resources and powers away from local government and (to show «national reflexes») I am concerned about Evros.
We are worried about Kythera, Mr. Mayor, which is increasingly withering away...»
