I was born in Nikaia, Piraeus, in 1966. I grew up and lived in Kythira—the place I loved and still love. I completed my general education at the Kythira General High School and then worked in the construction industry. Today, I am involved in agricultural production.
I have been involved in local government since 2019, when I was elected president on the then-independent ticket of the Kythira municipal community. Of course, at that time, although I was nominated by Mr. Charhalakis—whom I also supported—I believe I was backed by all the political factions on the island. That is why I would like to take this opportunity, albeit belatedly, to thank everyone who honored me with their vote in 2019.
I tried my very best to address the problems and daily needs of my community. Many times I went to the mayor’s office and city departments to find solutions and get a response. Unfortunately, however, I was not satisfied with the treatment I received as president, and my proposals were not heeded, despite the pre-election commitments made to me by Mr. Charchalakis himself. You know very well that I have fought all these years for the aesthetic appeal of our communities and our capital; I asked that they take care of rural road construction, our streets, the proper placement of trash bins, and many other issues I’ve observed—problems that are more or less familiar to my fellow citizens. You also know that when I protested about these issues, I was treated with contempt and even insults, especially by some elected officials. This kind of behavior is unbecoming of elected officials who were called upon by the people of Tsirigotes to serve them. I believe that anyone who decides to get involved in public affairs has a duty to serve the common good and not their own personal interests. I don’t want to elaborate further at this moment—perhaps later. People know me, and they know everyone.
Because I believe that many things need to change—first and foremost, these outdated and harmful ways of thinking—I decided to join forces with the «ALL TOGETHER» movement, a group of young people who honor and love this place, who demonstrate it through their conduct and hard work, hoping for something better and more humane. I am here to speak my mind honestly, as I feel it, and not to participate in the cover-ups that some people are accustomed to. We must finally have a local government that genuinely cares about the people of Tsirigota, their daily lives, and their needs.
I promise my fellow citizens that I will continue to fight without being influenced by outside forces, maintaining a positive attitude toward the good and a critical stance toward the bad.
Manolis Kousouris
Candidate for the Municipal Community of Kythira
