Corfu, February 4 – Deputy Minister of National Defence, Mr. Stefanos Gikas, hosted a well-attended New Year’s cake cutting ceremony yesterday, bringing together a wide array of political figures and citizens from Corfu, Paxos, and the Diapontia Islands. The event, held in a festive atmosphere, served as a platform for Mr. Gikas to highlight the government’s accomplishments and future plans.
Distinguished Guests and Unifying Presence
The ceremony was blessed by His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxos, and the Diapontia Islands. Among the distinguished attendees were Mr. Christos Anthis, Deputy Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands; Mayors of Central, North, and South Corfu, Messrs. Stefanos Poulimenos, George Macheimaris, and Giannis Kavvadias, respectively; Deputy Regional Governors of the Ionian Islands, Spyros Argyros and Giannis Zikos; Deputy Mayors from the Prefectural Unit of Corfu; Presidents of Institutional Bodies and Organizations; Presidents of Local Councils; Presidents of the DIMTO and New Democracy organizations for North, Central, and South Corfu; the President of ONNED Corfu; Presidents of Cultural Associations, Unions, and Philharmonics; Mrs. Englezopoulou, Administrator of the General Hospital of Corfu; Mr. Apergis, CEO of the Corfu Port Authority (OLKE); Mr. Agathos, President of the National Sports Centre of Corfu (EAKK); members of the New Democracy DEEP; and numerous citizens.
Governmental Achievements and Island Policy Focus
In his welcoming address, Mr. Gikas elaborated on the government’s overall work, emphasizing the critical importance of political stability, social cohesion, and bolstering the country’s developmental momentum. He placed particular stress on island policy, asserting that ‘insularity’ has now become a strategic priority for the Kyriakos Mitsotakis government. This commitment is evidenced by targeted interventions in port infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, water supply, and the strengthening of island businesses and the ‘blue’ economy.
Accountability and Future Investments for Corfu
Mr. Gikas also presented a concise overview of his actions for the Prefectural Unit of Corfu. He detailed progress in infrastructure projects, port interventions, improvements in health and educational facilities, cultural and sports projects, and significant funding that has been secured or is being channeled for Corfu, Paxos, and the Diapontia Islands.
Deputy Minister’s Message: Optimism and Responsibility
Following the event, Stefanos Gikas expressed his heartfelt gratitude: “I sincerely thank all my friends for their incredibly numerous and overwhelming presence at the New Year’s cake cutting of my Political Office. Their warm response fills me with optimism and a sense of responsibility.
These meetings are symbolic, yet also substantial, as they provide us with the opportunity to present our accomplishments and inform citizens about the work being done. The new year begins with expectations and responsibility: the responsibility of our Government to maintain the country’s upward trajectory in these turbulent times, to strengthen social cohesion, and to continue providing answers to the real needs of citizens.
Once again, I want to thank all the friends who honored us with their presence. The turnout was truly moving and unprecedented, a fact that gives us strength to continue our struggle even more dynamically for a better Corfu, close to its citizens, without discrimination!”
The event underscored the government’s commitment to the Ionian Islands and provided a platform for direct engagement with local communities and stakeholders.
