Spiros Leftheriotis,
The situation on the sandy island of Agios Efstratios has become critical, as residents express their discontent at the lack of a maritime connection to mainland Greece.
During an extraordinary meeting of the municipal council, under the chairmanship of the mayor Konstantinos Sinanis, the residents, who are also border patrols of the uninhabited island, decided to take measures as a sign of protest, including handing over the weapons of the national guards, blocking the port to demand the restoration of maritime links which are vital to their survival.
In an online interview, the mayor Konstantinos Sinanis emphasised the need to end the isolation of Lemnos and Agios Efstratios, which since the 1st November, have no connecting ships to the mainland endangering not only the daily lives of the residents, but their security against external threats.
This crisis highlights a wider problem: the gradual abandonment of the Greek islands by governments over time, which seem to favour the big cities like Athens over island regions. Infrastructure is often inadequate, with schools, hospitals and employment opportunities lacking, despite the geopolitical and economic potential of these islands.
Greece is at a critical juncture in terms of the development of its maritime connections. At the moment, the lines that should exist to connect the islands and the mainland are non-existent. It is imperative that they open new lines that will connect the islands with attractive modern ships, taking advantage of the technology that our country possesses, as we are a country with enormous maritime potential.
In addition, regarding our connection with Italy, 67% of the share capital of the Igoumenitsa Port Authority S.A. was sold off and transferred to the joint venture of the companies Grimaldi Euromed SpA – Minoan Lines S.A. and Investment Construction Commercial and Industrial S.A. for the paltry sum of 84.17 million euros. The safe and helpful Greek presence of the past for travellers has now been lost, while Grimaldi receives significant economic benefits from Greece.
Greece, which has historically been a seafarer, today has no connections at all with African countries, while in the past there were lines with Lebanon and Syria. It is necessary to review these connections and strengthen the Mediterranean connection.
Greece has the potential to become the largest maritime transit center on the planet, connecting three continents. With ships and ferries for the transport of wheeled vehicles, cargo, cars, trucks, semi-trailers and more, we can strengthen our commercial shipping.
Greece, in a “Greek state” (Ellinon Politeia), could be the seat of global commercial shipping, offering favourable tax conditions.
In a Sovereign State, ships flying the Greek flag will not pay taxes on their profits. At the same time, services such as insurance, banking systems, charter agreements, service and repairs in shipyards will be covered and performed in Greece. In addition, shipowners will have the obligation to employ Greek crews.
This strategy is not only economic, but also cultural, as it will strengthen and restore Greece’s image concerning international shipping and elevate it to its primary global leadership position.
Translated by Themis Ioakimidis
