Press release issued by the SYRIZA-PS Kythira on the ferry connection of Kythira. Read below.
«Shut up and swim» for the ferry connection of Kythera...
-The ship class is not upgraded due to «budgetary constraints».
-Replacement ship is not ensured.
-Improvements to the port of Diakofti were not requested.
This is «in broad strokes» the response of the Ministry of Island Policy to the question of SYRIZA-PS MPs on the ferry connection of our islands.
The question was tabled on 19 February, a few days after the famous Aqua Jewel accident in the port of Diakofti. At that time our islands were temporarily left without a ferry connection with the rest of Greece.
The response of the Ministry of Insular Policy is a monument of callousness and indifference to the islanders. Something like «shut up and swim». It is also proof of how the government of Mr Mitsotakis (does not) address the need for regional development. The government is still in bondage to the logic of «go where it goes» also in the coastal shipping sector.
In a nutshell:
-There is no money (or more accurately given elsewhere...) for a better ship. No upgrading of the category of the ship that will cover Kythera and Antikythera
-They are not even asking for a replacement ship
-They blame the Municipality of Kythera for the situation in the port of Diakofti, claiming there is no impact on the need to improve the port (the Municipality assures that there has been)...
Recall that:
-SYRIZA-PS asked for an upgrade of the category of the ship that will cover the shipping needs of our islands, (provision of a 1st class ship in order not to stop the routes at 7 and 8 Beaufort).
-SYRIZA-PS asked for a provision for a replacement ship.
-SYRIZA-PS called for measures to be taken to improve the port of Diakofti.
The SYRIZA-PS Kythera OM denounces the government of the New Democracy for leaving the islands to their fate. It is not interested in taking measures for the safe, fast and quality transportation of residents and visitors. It continues its policy of degradation of island Greece.
Especially Kythera and Antikythera are experiencing absolute indifference.
The SYRIZA-PS Kythira OM calls on all the residents of our islands and their institutional representatives to realize that these policies are no longer acceptable. The progressive citizens and the democratic political forces of the country must work together to get rid of the Mitsotakis government as soon as possible.
Let the first answer be given in the June European elections!
O.M. SYRIZA-PS Kythera
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Attached is the reply of Minister CHRISTOS STYLIANIDI
