John Cannis has expressed deep disappointment with the current Kalymnos municipal administration, while stressing that his longstanding support for the island transcends local political affiliations.
Speaking at a press conference at the Chamber of Commerce in Kalymnos on Friday, October 16, 2026, Cannis criticised the administration’s treatment of him, recalling that he had openly and actively supported it during the last local elections.
The Kalymnos-born former Canadian MP, who served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, described the attitude he had encountered from the municipal administration as dismissive.
Cannis spoke at length about a dispute involving his holiday home on the island, alleging that a local animal welfare organisation had encroached on his property, an issue, as he stated, should have been resolved by the municipality. He also said he had written to the municipal administration requesting a meeting with Mayor I. Mastrokoukos but had never received a reply, expressing frustration over the lack of a response.
Reflecting on his political career in Canada, Cannis emphasised his longstanding efforts to support Greece and his home island of Kalymnos. He said he had assisted every mayor of the island who had sought his support, offering his experience, knowledge and expertise.
He also firmly distanced himself from local political factions, expressing irritation at the association of his name with Dimitris Diakomichalis’s municipal group. Cannis stressed that he belonged to no municipal faction and that his contribution to Kalymnos extended beyond political allegiances.
During the press conference, he also answered questions from Kalymnos Times, elaborating on his allegations and his relationship with the current municipal administration.
Watch the accompanying videos for his statements and his answers to questions from Kalymnos Times.
