Η Party Organization of Kythira of the Communist Party of Greece intervenes in the matter of naval blockade of the island, denouncing the government and the European Union for their transport policy. After sudden suspension of services of Aqua Jewel, the residents of Kythira are once again faced with the isolation from the mainland, while the KKE demands immediate solution and state intervention on the issue. Read the press release:

KKE Kythira – PRESS RELEASE

The indignation of all the residents of Kythira is justified upon hearing that the Aquel Jewel ferry service will be suspended for two months starting today, while the other ferry from Naples will resume service on March 10 due to annual maintenance.

The anger is justified, given the company's mockery, which until yesterday was informing passengers of schedule postponements due to weather conditions and today announced something else. Moreover, throughout the previous period, the company frequently changed or canceled routes due to weather conditions, with residents once again bearing the brunt of the consequences.

So now we are faced with the island being cut off from the rest of the country, with all that this entails in terms of food, goods, and medicine supplies, as well as everyone's personal needs for travel to the mainland, etc.

This is an unacceptable situation that will have adverse consequences.

After what happened last year with the ship collision in the port and the proverbial events that followed, «the old but timely demand of the islanders for safe coastal shipping, with the state taking responsibility for this all year round, with cheap tickets for passengers and goods.» What we islanders face, especially in the winter months when we are almost cut off from the mainland, is the result of the EU's transport liberalization policy, the provocative support of shipowners with subsidies, tax exemptions, and other means. All governments have consistently pursued this policy, allowing shipowners to make decisions based on their profits and the competitive battle for the large slice of the tourism market, the connection of the islands, and whether or not to operate routes. With the support of all the other parties, which subsidize well-known shipping and maritime interests with the logic of serving unprofitable routes, with dilapidated boats, indifferent to the safety of seafarers and passengers.

Without delay, it is imperative that the island's ferry connection be restored immediately. At the same time, the struggle for the only demand that meets the needs of the islanders must be intensified: Modern, cheap, and safe ships of all kinds that regularly connect the islands with each other and with mainland Greece. As the KKE, we will stand together with the island's residents at the forefront of this struggle.

Kythira, February 4, 2025