«This is the scene, for many Sundays now, of a historic institution, where we are all simply passersby… The Potamos Market is fading away—or, as the picture shows, has already faded away—and some people are to blame…». The leader of the «We’re Staying Here» faction, Dimitris Kontoleon, in which he included a photo of the site where the Potamos Sunday Market is held, one of Kythira’s most historic institutions. Mr. Kontoleon indirectly criticizes those in charge, without naming them, believing that the bazaar is fading away due to developments in the legislative framework governing its operation over the past year.
Please note that this Sunday as well There was no interest from vendors and producers in setting up a stall in the village’s central square, even though the new regulations governing the operation of the market have already taken effect. According to reports Six producers have been licensed so far, yet it has not yet been possible for anyone to participate. As we have learned, a major reason for the producers’ non-participation is the a shortfall in production, especially due to the harsh winter, while, more generally, there is a A sense of gloom among farmers due to the difficulties they face with rising prices and production costs.
Despite the current circumstances, concern is evident, especially among the residents of Potamos, as the new regulation It seems that many of the very small producers who had been participating in the market until now are becoming discouraged.
People are deeply concerned about what will happen next, since with the new regulation that was passed last year, There is a risk that the bazaar will lose the traditional character it once had and be transformed into a typical open-air market of limited size.
As has become clear following the clashes between citizens in the last few hours, In the coming days, initiatives for open dialogue will be taken, so that the issues with the bazaar can be discussed and solutions sought.
