Asvestas on Leros Projects and Hospital

Evangelos Asvestas spoke exclusively to Leros News about the prime minister's recent visit, projects under way across the island, problems at Leros Hospital and the need for the municipal authority to maintain closer contact with residents.

Mr Asvestas described the prime minister's visit as particularly important for Leros, arguing that it highlighted the scale of work being carried out by the present municipal administration.

He said he was proud that, as a member of the team, they were changing the island again, giving the younger generation a vision and writing a new chapter in the history of Leros.

He also expressed support for the prime minister, saying government policy strengthened Greece's position and created new prospects for the islands.

Criticism is necessary, but not sterile opposition on health

Turning to Leros Hospital, Mr Asvestas acknowledged that problems existed. He said, however, that the Ministry of Health, the administration of the Second Health Region and the hospital management were making an effort.

He said sterile political confrontation should be kept out of healthcare and that all sides should work together to make the hospital better and safer. Criticism was legitimate, he added, but sterile opposition was not.

An apology to residents

Mr Asvestas also apologised to fellow residents for not being as close to them as he would like because of his increased professional commitments.

He said he received daily updates and intervened where necessary, but recognised that physical presence could not always be replaced. Serious professional obligations kept him away from Leros more than he wished.

He said the municipal authority had to devote more time to residents' daily lives and personal difficulties.

Officials needed to enter people's homes, listen to their problems and demonstrate in practical terms that they were not alone. Residents should feel that the municipal authority stood beside them, he said.

A more active role for deputy mayors

Mr Asvestas said that responsibility could not rest solely with Mayor Timotheos Kottakis, who held continuous meetings at ministries and with the regional authority to pursue funding and projects for Leros.

He said the mayor tried to ensure that every journey produced positive news for the island. Deputy mayors, however, should play an even more active role in dealing with residents, approach problems with humanity and show that election promises had not been forgotten.

Strong comments on recent fires

Asked about recent fires on Leros, Mr Asvestas used strong language, referring to dark intentions and calling on the responsible authorities to investigate the causes fully.

He did not name any individual or present evidence establishing a criminal act, but claimed that some people did not want Leros to develop and progress.

He said the justice system should send a clear message in every direction. Human lives, property and the work of residents could not be placed at risk, and the overwhelming majority of people on Leros would protect their island.

He also criticised those who, in his view, sought to exploit a disaster for publicity, saying the community should not return to division and regression.

Projects worth more than EUR 50 million

Mr Asvestas said Leros had become a strong local government body, with projects worth more than EUR 50 million under way or moving towards implementation.

He highlighted South Aegean regional governor Giorgos Chatzimarkos and his cooperation with the Leros mayor in advancing projects and funding.

Mr Chatzimarkos turned the mayor's claims and effort into projects for the island and its younger generation, he said.

Mr Asvestas concluded that Leros was changing and that residents had given the present municipal authority a clear instruction: to change their lives and restore pride in the island.