Older people remember the resistance song «whose children are you women?» The «fatherhood» of a recent decision brings the song back to the lips of many (others prefer to sing «your blue letters I sit and read»)...
Today in Kythera, the Mayor Mr. Harhalakis celebrates the extension of the contracts of the agonies of coastal lines from one-year to four-year contracts. He notes that «a long-standing demand of the island communities is being met». But is this the case? Is it a request made by islanders? Did others also ask for it? Is the satisfaction «stumpy» and does it not include the basic conditions set by our islanders, especially the Kytherians and Antikytherians?;
Let's take it from the beginning. A simple internet search reminds us:
On 22-2-2022 the President of the Association of Passenger Shipping Businesses Michael Sakellis noted that «the multiannual Public Service Contracts decided upon we think they can help» https://www.mononews.gr/business/shipping/michalis-sakkellis-i-aktoploikes-eteries-epivarinthikan-me-130-ekat-evro-apo-tin-afxisi-ton-kafsimon
On 13-11-2024 the news was published in all the media that the Ministry of Merchant Shipping promotes multi-year contracts for the barren lines! https://www.mononews.gr/business/shipping/me-polyeteis-symvaseis-kai-sdit-tha-antimetopistei-to-provlima-ton-agonon-aktoploikon-grammon
On 6-5-2025 the then Minister of Shipping Mr.Kikilias announced the the signing of four-year contracts for the barren:https://cyclades24.gr/2025/05/agones-grammes-neoi-diagonismoi-4etous-diarkeias/
So why is the Mayor celebrating? Others had already decided to extend the contracts...
Decision in the right direction, but «hollow»
But is the decision right or wrong?;
In our view it is in the right direction, but without the key elements it should have included. Without them we are not satisfied. What we mean:
1) The decision does not include a requirement for the government and shipowners to upgrade the quality of the ageing shipping fleet. The annual report by XRTC Business Consultants points out that the European Modernisation Fund, has €1.5 billion available until 2030, which can boost green investments and replacement of old vessels. There is no mention in the SCA's decision...
2) There is no provision for a replacement vessel. Simply unacceptable. There could have been a request from the CAC to have at least one replacement ship for all the barren.
3) As far as Kythera is concerned, the provision for a category 3 ship remains. «Something tells us» that for many years we will be «loaded» with a ship that is unreliable, that easily cancels routes (even when there is no prohibition) and often fails to «dock» in Diakofti and Antikythera... Perhaps he has the same logic as the former Minister of Shipping Mr. Stylianidis who answered to a relevant question of SYRIZA - PS that «there is no financial space». Of course for the excess profits of the Banks and Energy there is no problem of fiscal space for New Democracy, it does not even think of taxing them to finance the needs of the islands for example. There is only money for monopolies, «Frappes» and «Butchers».
Mr. Harhalakis and SYRIZA
At the same time, the convicted slanderous mayor-party leader continues to lie, serving government practices. Last week, he blamed former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras for the problems of Kythera (while his own favourite government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been ruling for six years).
At the same time, on the internet he is wagging his finger at citizens, claiming that «they don't know», while he «knows» because he attended the SAA meetings. Well, Mr. Mayor, if you really do know, prove it:
-Give now to the public the minutes of the SAA together with your own recommendations. And especially
-Tell us how many times you have asked for an upgrade of the ship serving Kythera and Antikythera to class 1 or 2.
-Tell us how many times you have officially complained about the unsuitability of the Aqua Jewel, which is unable to reach our ports even with 4-5 Beaufort, discrediting our islands every day.
The OM SYRIZA Kythera reminds you in our official public statements on the ferry:
13 December 2024 - «Islanders are not second-class citizens’
17 January 2025 - «The ferry connection between Kythera and Antikythera should be upgraded immediately»
28 January 2025 - Al. Meikopoulos: «Immediate intervention for the ferry blockade»
14 February 2025 - «Ships? There are...»
18 February 2025 - Meikopoulos to YNAP: «Ensure the reliability of the Kythera ferry connection»
March 13, 2025 - «I have no transportation...»
So instead of wagging your finger at us, Mr. Harhalakis, calm down...
The needs of the islanders are not suitable for petty party games, they are not the vehicle for the personal promotion of anyone...
So say hello to power.
