Political confrontation in Kythera: From the postings of Harhalakis to the harsh response of Sophiou

The public political debate in the Municipality of Kythera has been rekindled in recent days, on the occasion of two issues: the renovation of the River Primary School and the repair of the fire-fighting tank in Kalamavros. The discussion began with a post by Mayor Efstratios Harhalakis, which triggered a sharp response from the minor opposition faction, «Free Kythera», by Anargyros Sophiou.

The statements of Harhalakis: Initiatives of the Municipality and spikes against Mr. Sophiou

The Mayor of Kythera, in an extensive public comment, had defended the role of the Municipal Authority in the selection of the Dilaverio Primary School of Potamos for funding through the «Marietta Giannakou» programme. As he had pointed out, the Ministry of Interior had originally chosen the Country School, but, following a proposal from the Municipality accompanied by mature study, the project was finally included in the programme with the River School.

Mr. Harchalakis had also pointed out that on the issue of fire safety in Drimonas, the tank of the settlement worked normally and was used by the fire department. Regarding the Kalamavros reservoir, he explained that was put out to tender from 2023 but was delayed due to lengthy procedures. He then reported that the repair has now been contracted and will be implemented during the summer.

The Mayor had criticised Mr Wise for continued public presence as a “mayoral candidate” and indirectly calling on him to tone it down.

Sophio's sharp reply: «You offer us at least... countless laughs»

With a high-toned post, Mr. Sophios reacted, accusing the Mayor of project appropriation attempt that did not come from his own initiative. According to him, the school's inclusion in the «Marietta Giannakou» programme was centrally by the government and not at the suggestion of the Municipality. He called the Harhalakis announcement «election baiting» and mocked the attempt «to entertain citizens with false allegations.».

Regarding the reservoir of Kalamavros, Mr.Sophios personally attacked the Mayor, recalling that he had submitted a question a year before the fire, without response.

The Leader of the Opposition stated that remains politically active, while clearly implying that will run for mayor again in 2028, provided his health remains good and his appetite remains keen. In conclusion, he stressed:

«Politics needs people who don't need it. And I have nothing to lose. Do you, Mr. Mayor?»

Read here the statement of Mr Sophiou:

Dear Mr. Mayor,

For three years, I have been openly accusing you that the social policy of the Municipality of Kythera is non-existent. It does not touch the daily life of any of our fellow citizens, and offers virtually nothing.

But in the end - and I say this sincerely - you are offering something. Not yet where it should be, but somewhere. Because through your statements, Mr. Mayor, you are carrying out a form of social policy: you are giving us countless GELIO.

We laugh. Seriously. In the wells, in the squares, in the café chairs. And because laughter is health, you've finally offered something.

So let's look at two typical snapshots of this “work” of yours.

On May 30, anxious to show project production, you publicly celebrate how:

«Technocratically, with mature studies and approvals, we supported the renovation of River Elementary School.».

In fact, the Parents and Guardians Association of the school was quick to express its thanks for your “continuous efforts”.

Only there's one problem: THE TRUTH.

The renovation does not come from municipal planning, but from the “Marietta Giannakou” programme, in cooperation between the government and the country's systemic banks. Each school was included one per municipality - with purely centralised criteria.

Of course, you couldn't stand it. Your ego and the need for visibility wouldn't let you. And what did you say?;

«No, Mr. Sophie, you don't know me well. The project is indeed the government's and the banks», but we indicated to them which school to renovate."

What to say. Disney-level technocracy. Anyway, thank you: you have vindicated me on your own.

Let's go to the second one.

In my article «about the fire», with video from the City Council, I asked you - on May 29, 2024 - about the tank and the money that had already been spent on it. And your answer was...

«Tomorrow.»

Tomorrow! Just like that. But when?;

On 14 July 2025 (over a year later and after the fire broke out) we finally learned that money will be spent again to repair the same tank.

Congratulations.

Such a political self-goal has never happened before. Only you, Mr. Mayor.

Again, thank you for confirming me. Publicly, Firmly, Consistently.

As for the rest of your words, full of empathy and personal bitterness, let me apologise. I apologize for causing you so many complexes.

I just hope you don't see me in your sleep.

In conclusion, I would like to respond to something you said yourself:

«The world is watching.»

I absolutely agree. The world does not need political analysts. They see. They judge. They understand. And when the time comes, they decide.

So if my health stays good and my appetite remains lively - as it has been so far - I will run for mayor. Because, as Paul Carvel said:

«Politics needs people who don't need politics.»

And I, Mr. Mayor, have nothing to lose.

Do you have any?;