New Ionian Islands Regional Governor sworn in

Yesterday, the new Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Yiannis Trepeklis, was sworn in, completing all the oaths for the new local government authorities who were elected on October 8th and 15th.

The swearing-in ceremony for the new Regional Governor and the 35 regional councillors took place in the ceremonial hall of the Ionian University. The ceremony was presided over by Archbishop Nektarios. The musical accompaniment was provided by the Corfu 'Old' Philharmonic Band.

In his inaugural address, following the conclusion of the ceremony, Yiannis Trepeklis, from the podium of the Ionian Academy, outlined the principles of his administration as the new Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, sending a message of unity for all the Ionian Islands.

"The creative collaboration with the entire Regional Council and all political parties, as well as with all the local, political, social, educational, and cultural entities, will be the guiding principle of our actions. We aspire to exercise effective, independent, and impartial regional governance," he stated in his speech.

After the change in electoral law, the new Ionian Islands Regional Council is now composed of 35 members. The party led by Yiannis Trepeklis has 21 seats, while the party of Rodi Kratsa has 6 seats in the new composition.

The ANASA party, led by Theodoros Galiatsatos, has secured 3 seats. The Laiki Sispirosi party, led by Alexandra Balou has 3 seats, and Menoume Ionio, led by Maria Dri has 2 seats.

The new Regional Authority will assume its duties on January 1, 2024. On the following day, 2 January or the first Sunday of the new year, 7 January, elections must be held to choose the individuals who will compose the Presidency of the new Regional Council, as well as the new body, the Regional Committee (following the abolition of the Economic and Executive Committee).

The term of office for both the Regional Authority and the other collective bodies is five years and expires on December 31, 2028.