Dodecanese MP argues that island policy should become a binding constitutional obligation of the Greek State
Dodecanese MP Yiannis Pappas has called for stronger constitutional protection of Greece’s island communities, arguing that the upcoming constitutional revision presents a unique opportunity to transform the principle of insularity into a binding obligation for the State.
In an article published in the newspaper Parapolitika, Pappas stresses that Greece’s geography has shaped its history, economy, defense, and social cohesion. However, for island residents, geographical isolation often translates into higher living costs, limited access to essential services, infrastructure challenges, and dependence on transportation networks.
The MP highlights several constitutional provisions related to public administration, local government, environmental policy, social protection, and public budgeting, arguing that they should explicitly take into account the particular needs of island regions.
He also emphasizes the importance of strengthening island municipalities, which are responsible for critical services such as water supply, sanitation, civil protection, and social welfare despite often operating with limited resources.
According to Pappas, issues such as water scarcity, energy security, climate resilience, housing, healthcare, and demographic decline require targeted policies tailored to the realities of island life.
The Dodecanese lawmaker further argues that every major legislative or economic decision should be assessed based on its impact on island communities, from Rhodes and Kos to Kalymnos, Karpathos, Patmos, and Kastellorizo.
“Equality gains real meaning when different starting points are taken into account,” he notes, stressing that island residents deserve equal access to healthcare, education, transportation, energy, digital services, and economic opportunities.
Pappas concludes that constitutional reform can establish insularity as a permanent institutional principle that guides public administration and ensures long-term support for Greece’s island regions.
