On January 27, 2026, the Major Opposition invited local media to the offices of the Municipal Group to express its indignation over what it described as being “silenced” during Municipal Council meetings, citing the Council’s authoritarian operation and the insults allegedly directed at its leader, Ioannis Galouzis, by a municipal councillor from the ruling majority.
The opposition also commented on the issue that arose following the unexpected departure of Ioannis Halikos from the island—an issue it says it was not allowed to raise during the most recent Municipal Council session.
In response to the press conference held by the “New Kalymnos” group, the Municipal Authority issued the following press release later the same day.
PRESS RELEASE
They turn their backs on the anxiety of workers and society — and then, afterwards, “ask for more”
Mr. Galouzis, in his own words, confirmed what the entire society of Kalymnos has already understood: he deliberately stayed away from the extraordinary Municipal Council meeting regarding the case of our distinguished compatriot from Australia, simply because he believed it… wasn’t worth attending.
In fact, in the most “elegant” and… “democratic” way—while supposedly respecting the autonomy of the councillors of his own slate—he stated today that he “didn’t allow” them to attend the extraordinary session of the Municipal Council.
In today’s interview, he described the meeting as “unexpected,” “without a report,” and “without substantial briefing,” going so far as to label it a “farce” and claim it resulted in “a vague moral show of support that says absolutely nothing.”
This is the blunt truth:
- For Mr. Galouzis, the anxiety of workers who risk losing their jobs “says absolutely nothing.”
- For Mr. Galouzis, society’s demand that a major issue be discussed publicly is a “farce.”
- For Mr. Galouzis, the highest democratic institution of our community—the Municipal Council—is a place without value.
This amounts to a complete and provocative contempt for the Municipal Council and its role within society.
The claim of “lack of information” collapses under his own statements. He did not say he didn’t know. He said he didn’t agree that a meeting should take place. Therefore, he did not stay away out of ignorance. He stayed away by choice—out of political calculation and indifference.
And when he realized the public outrage caused by his choice, he returned with shouting, attacks, and manufactured tension, trying after the fact to cover up his absence and inadequacy.
Let us be clear:
Political “demands” are not made after the event.
They are not made from microphones.
They are not made with shouting.
They are made at the very moment society calls on you to stand up and be present.
Mr. Galouzis, when the society of Kalymnos needed you, you chose to be absent. And today, through your statements, you choose to insult both the anxiety of citizens and the institution of the Municipal Council itself.
The Municipal Authority will not follow this downward path.
We will continue to stand present—with responsibility, seriousness, and a clear stance—alongside the people and the real problems of our community.
Because Kalymnos does not need theatrical confrontations.
It needs politicians who are present.
In difficult times.
From the Mayor’s Office
Communications & Public Relations
HELLENIC REPUBLIC – MUNICIPALITY OF KALYMNOS
