You’re not the ‘navel of the world’. Find a solution to waste disposal.

That’s why the prime minister kept a low profile, following his ‘mini’ cabinet meeting, including the mayor and the regional governor, at the conclusion of the conference. In many cases he repeated that work was in progress, but he stressed that local authorities should take responsibility. “You aren’t the centre of the world,” he said in a strong tone, referring to waste disposal. Corfu, Zakynthos and Lefkada “must find the solution.”  Turning to the Corfu mayor, he declared - “You’re obviously the one who will lead the discussion in Corfu.”

Regarding the water supply system, he stated that there is a practicable programme in place for the replacement of a large section of the network (note: not the drains) and that the studies need to be updated in order for the next stage of the project to be funded.

He promised funding for a study into the North-South axis in Corfu and subsidization of ferry services between the Ionian islands, going on to say that in the Corfu region a network of 5 waterways was being created – Corfu, Paxos and the Diapontia islands. He announced that responsibility for Corfu Town seafront would be handed over to the Municipality.

Work is underway at Zakynthos port to improve the services for cruise ships – something he considered to be of national importance – and on a smaller scale at Paxos port. He promised to speed up work on the underwater connection between Lefkada and the mainland. 

The prime minister began his speech by extolling the performance of Corfu and the other Ionian islands in the tourism sector – calling them ‘champions’, along with Crete, in the increase in arrivals and income. His speech started over two hours late. Outside, the demonstrators stood freezing and the impression was that his mind was probably on Erdogan’s visit.