The municipal group “New Kalymnos” has issued a response to the Municipal Authority’s press release dated January 27, 2026. As things stand, the major opposition appears to be making its presence felt again after two years of inactivity.
PRESS RELEASE
“A Storm in the Mayor’s Office” — Turmoil at Mayor Giannis Mastrokoukos’ Communications Desk
The press release issued by the so-called “Mayor’s Office – Communications & Public Relations” of Mr. Ioannis Mastrokoukos is not a response to our press conference. It is a monument to political embarrassment, confusion, and selective memory—text that could justifiably bear the title: “A Storm in the Mayor’s Office.”
On the substance of the matter: complete silence. On the highly dangerous, hasty, and ineffective handling of the case of our fellow citizen Giannis Halikos—a case that stands as a monument to political favoritism and was used bluntly and cynically as a vehicle for political gain—not a word. No answer, no acceptance of responsibility, no explanation.
On the projects that began to move forward during our term—namely the development of the Thermal Springs and the Chorafa area in Agios Theologos—with the support and participation of Giannis Halikos, and in which Mr. Mastrokoukos and his group systematically acted as an obstacle, sometimes openly and sometimes behind the scenes—again, absolute silence. History, however, is not rewritten through press releases.
He also conspicuously “forgot” his own past statements about “goats” and the 2014 elections, when— with remarkable carelessness—he insinuated alleged vote-buying. Back then, Halikos bothered him. Now he suddenly remembers to present himself as Halikos’ late-arriving protector.
As for the silencing I experienced in the Municipal Council, he swallowed the truth whole. Not even there did he find the courage to take a position.
And he has the political audacity to accuse us of “turning our backs on the anxiety of workers.” Let us be clear: we did not turn our backs on workers. We turned our backs on the crafty, petty political games he is attempting to stage on the backs of workers.
The people of Kalymnos understand. They can tell anxiety from exploitation, seriousness from communications noise, truth from a cheap narrative.
We are sorry, Mr. Mastrokoukos—not for your criticism, which is an inalienable right—but for your political decline, and above all for insulting the intelligence of citizens.
From the Press Office
