The municipal faction «All Together, Kythira–Antikythira» is heading toward a direct and head-on clash with the Mayor of Kythira, Stratos Charhalakis. In a scathing press release, the opposition has launched a harsh critique of the municipal administration, denouncing a «regrettable transformation» of the mayor and the adoption of a completely personality-driven and centralized model of governance.
At the center of the new political controversy is a video released by the political faction. The video attempts to highlight the enormous—as they claim—discrepancy between Mr. Charhalakis’s campaign promises in 2014 and his current rhetoric (May 2026). Specifically, the video contrasts the mayor’s earlier statements in favor of collective decision-making and democratic governance with his recent remarks at the City Council, where he is heard stating characteristically that in his political faction, «what he himself decides is done.».
The «All Together» faction speaks of unprecedented arrogance on the part of those in power and political hypocrisy, calling on the citizens of Kythira and Antikythira to draw their own conclusions. As they point out, the island does not need «Absolute Rulers,» but rather genuine cooperation and respect for democratic processes.
The following is the political group’s press release, reproduced verbatim:
From a Champion of Participation to the «Absolute Ruler» – The Sad Transformation of Mr. Charchalakis
Our party is releasing today a highly revealing video—a documentary—that highlights in the clearest possible way the political hypocrisy and arrogance that now characterize the current municipal administration.
The audiovisual material we present leaves no room for misinterpretation, as it compares the same person at two different points in time: Mr. Charchalakis in 2014, when he was campaigning for citizens« votes »without a seat,” and the current mayor of 2026, who is fully identified with a centralized conception of power.
The 2014 Promise: In May 2014, Mr. Charchalakis presented himself as the staunchest advocate of democracy. He categorically stated that «The days when a mayor didn't ask anyone and acted on his own are over.». He preached that «»Leadership cannot mean arrogance and conceit." and promised a management model based on «cooperation, synergy, and solidarity». At that time, the exchange of ideas and disagreements were, for him, «the healthiest and most democratic process».
The Reality of 2026: Twelve years later, at a recent meeting (May 14, 2026), the same man—now sitting in the mayor’s chair—himself shatters the facade of consensus. With a highly centralized approach to governance, he stated unequivocally and publicly
«In my political faction, we do what I decide. That's how it is… democratically. I'm saying this publicly, too. Okay?»
What was once a “healthy exchange of views” now seems to be giving way to a strongly personality-driven model of governance. Participatory democracy is giving way to a more centralized conception of governance, with statements that raise legitimate political concerns about how democratic processes are perceived.
As the «All Together – Kythira – Antikythira» coalition, we call on the citizens of Kythira and Antikythira to draw their own conclusions.
Our community does not need closed and personality-driven models of governance. It needs genuine cooperation, transparency, and respect for democratic processes—values that the current mayor now appears to have abandoned in his political practice.
The arrogance of power is now plain for all to see.
We remain committed to our principles and continue to advocate for a model of governance that listens, respects, and brings people together.
