Corfu Councillor Calls for New Session on Municipal Spatial Planning
Corfu, October 5, 2018 – Independent municipal councillor George Raidestinos has once again called for a special session of the Corfu Municipal Council to address the critical issue of the spatial planning of the Municipality of Corfu. This renewed request comes after a previously scheduled session on September 24 was dramatically interrupted due to tensions with residents of Lefkimmi.
Raidestinos’s latest letter, dated September 19, highlights the urgency of the matter. He reminds the council that his initial request for a special session, co-signed by 20 municipal councillors, focused exclusively on the “Spatial Structure of the Municipality of Corfu.” The subsequent postponement of the September 24 session and the lack of a new date have created significant pressure, with the window for potential changes becoming increasingly narrow.
Democracy and Dignity at Stake
Raidestinos emphasizes that it is a matter of “democracy and dignity” for the Municipality of Corfu to have its own opinion and stance on an issue that directly concerns the future of the island. He argues against decisions being made solely by political parties and parliamentary bodies, stressing the importance of local councils, social, and productive stakeholders being able to express their views.
The request for the special session garnered support from municipal councillors across various factions. Despite the mayor’s known opposition to the “splitting of the municipality” and alleged tactics to prevent this session from taking place for an extended period, Raidestinos invokes Article 67, paragraph 2 of Law 3852/10, demanding an IMMEDIATE special session of the Municipal Council on the spatial restructuring of the Municipality of Corfu.
To facilitate a more fruitful and productive dialogue where all voices can be heard, Raidestinos proposes that the session be held on Wednesday, October 10, at 14:00.
Background of the Issue
The debate surrounding the administrative division of the Municipality of Corfu has been ongoing. The previous session on September 24 was cut short amidst strong reactions from residents, particularly from Lefkimmi, indicating the contentious nature of the topic. The “breaking up” of the municipality refers to proposals for a new administrative division, potentially creating smaller, more manageable municipalities within the island.
This issue has significant implications for local governance, resource allocation, and the representation of various communities across Corfu. The call for a special session underscores the desire for a comprehensive and inclusive discussion that takes into account the diverse perspectives of the island’s inhabitants and stakeholders.
The outcome of this renewed push for a special session will be crucial in determining the future administrative landscape of Corfu and how decisions regarding its spatial planning will be made.
