SYRIZA Kythera: «I have no transport»...

The Organization of Members of SYRIZA Kythera, in a statement, denounces the governmental inaction and the lack of effective intervention by the municipal authority, while referring to serious responsibilities of the Ministry of Shipping and the Maritime Transport Council (RTC). As he says, the consequences are already apparent: zero traffic over the Clean Monday weekend, problems with supply and a coastline that operates without any strategy, with its fate in the hands of the sea jets. Here is the press release:

«I have no transportation...»

We are in the middle of March. In a month we have Easter. And yet:

- The friends of Kythera and Antikythera are unable to plan their holidays because the tender for the ferry connection of our islands with Piraeus-Gythio-Crete has not yet been completed.

- Residents (especially professionals) are unable to plan their lives for the same reason.

- Two islands in the «let's go and wherever it goes», another proof of the incompetence of the government of Mr Mitsotakis, elected with the slogan of «excellence»...

Where exactly are we today:

1. Our islands are subject to the consequences of the amateurism of the Ministry of Merchant Shipping: Zero traffic during the three days of Clean Monday. Problems in supply. Sea Jets' connection to Piraeus on automatic.
2. The municipal authority just «presides» majestically! It has not taken initiatives similar to those of the municipalities of Lemnos and Ai Stratis, which have achieved a commitment to increase the rent of the barren line for their area. As the (probably outgoing) minister Mr. Stylianides stated, the relevant tender will be held by the end of March. However, there are provisions in the notice that have been described as onerous for Kythera and Antikythera (e.g. ship category). Provisions that must be overturned!
3. The government, the responsible ministry and the SAA have a huge responsibility for the situation. They must immediately change direction and ensure the launch of a higher class ship (and a replacement ship) that can cope with the particular weather conditions of the region. We will NOT wait for the “green” ships that will come, if they come, in 2027!
4. The response of the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of the Interior to the recent topical question of the head of the Shipping Department of SY.RIZ.A - P.S. Mr. Alexandros Meikopoulos proved the government's policy of indifference to the support of small islands. It proved once again the subordination of this government to the appetites of the shipping monopolies.
5. At the same time, we note with concern the refusal of the municipal majority to introduce the issue of extending the airport runway so that the process can proceed to the Attica Region. The existing outrageous ticket prices from Athens for the 2025 summer season are yet another obstacle to tourism, especially for Greeks. The expansion will allow the arrival of larger aircraft and (conditionally) create competition, resulting in lower prices.
6. The explicitly formulated policy of SY.RIZ.A - P.S. for transport on the islands, provides for a combination of ferry and air network, so that there are no days of blockade, to ensure safe travel and to cover urgent needs, especially in the winter period. The transport equivalent introduced by SY.RIZ.A - P.S. (and paid on time...) is a component of such an island policy. Such solutions can ensure  only a government of progressive forces, which we seek.  

Η O.M. Kythira of SY.RIZ.A - P.S. calls on all the stakeholders of our islands to join forces in demanding measures that will improve the safety of all of us, the quality of life and economic development. Abandoning the countryside and especially the peripheral areas cannot be an option.  

Let everyone understand this: Transport is oxygen for the islands. We shout loudly «I have no transport»...