The coalition issued a press release «Kythera - Antikythera, We Live Here», regarding the latest developments surrounding the Market by the River, with the approval of the Finance Committee, of the revised operating plan for the Bazaar.
The announcement mentions «A victory that belongs to all the people of Kythira», given that, in addition to the the coalition's revised proposals, as well as the reactions of organizations such as the Potamos Cultural Association and Potamos Agricultural Cooperative, but also the empowerment of ordinary citizens, forced the municipal authorities to back down from their initial, unfounded positions and to accept that the issue can be resolved only based on the consensus of organizations, groups, and ordinary citizens.
The faction believes that this constitutes «starting point», for a more comprehensive resolution of all the issues facing Kythirian society through dialogue, and away from «Ludovician attitudes, authoritarian practices, and approaches that mislead and distort.»
The following is the press release from the municipal political group:
“The Need for a New Model of Governance”
We welcome the decision of the municipal majority to adopt a rational and sensitive approach, abandoning tactics of misdirection and distortion.
This is a victory that belongs to all the people of Kythira, regardless of their background. It marks a defeat for authoritarian practices.
The municipal majority now accepts that the market will not be moved from Potamos for ANY reason and that the City Council will resolve any issues that arise. In addition, several products that had been removed from the list have been added (after much deliberation) to the items for sale. .
At last, we have a starting point, which of course can be revised and improved as issues arise along the way.
It is now clear to everyone—and we hope to the municipal authorities as well—how important it is to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the community. The majority of citizens are willing—and have the right—to participate in decision-making regarding our community, our daily lives, and the rules of public life.
The discussion about the River Bazaar brought to the forefront the need for a new model of local governance. ‘Not with a «we decide and we command» attitude, not with self-righteous attitudes, not with «Ludovician» behavior, not with daily squabbles with every resident who holds a different opinion.”.
In the specific case of the Potamos flea market, it became clear that no decision could be made without the meaningful participation of the cultural association, the agricultural cooperative, the Local Council, and the local residents, who have the right to be informed and to have a say in deciding their future.
We invite you today to discuss with the people of Potamos not only a «decent market,» but also projects that will revive the village’s commercial, social, and cultural life.
”CYPHER ANTI-CYPHER WE STAY HERE“
12/03/2021
The councillors
George Didymiotis
Dimitris Kontoleon
Manos Trifyllis
