Mitsotakis Sends Firm Message to Turkey from Kastellorizo: “We Do Not Accept Threats”

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis delivered a direct message to Turkey from Kastellorizo, declaring that Greece seeks peace and dialogue but will not accept threats or challenges to its sovereign rights.

Speaking during celebrations marking the anniversary of the island’s liberation, Mitsotakis also unveiled a package of measures aimed at strengthening Kastellorizo economically and demographically, including €5,000 annual incentives for public servants and permanent resident households.

The government’s plan focuses on keeping existing residents on the island, attracting new families and improving essential infrastructure and services.

A firm message from Kastellorizo

Mitsotakis used his presence on Kastellorizo to reiterate Greece’s position on relations with Turkey.

He said Greece wants friendly relations with its neighbour, without tensions or provocations, based on International Law and the Law of the Sea.

But he made clear that dialogue does not mean accepting threats.

“We do not threaten anyone, but we do not accept threats and suggestions from anyone. We are ready to defend our national integrity and our sovereign rights.”

Mitsotakis described Kastellorizo as an “emblematic place” from which Greece can send a message of peace, while making clear that revisionist aspirations have no place in the region.

He also stressed the island’s European significance, noting that the message from Megisti extends beyond Greece because Kastellorizo is European territory.

€5,000 annual incentive for public servants

Under the new measures, public servants, members of the Security Forces and Armed Forces serving on Kastellorizo will receive a permanent annual salary incentive of €5,000.

The government says the measure is designed to make it easier to staff essential services on the remote border island and encourage workers to remain there.

€5,000 for households that live on Kastellorizo

A separate €5,000 annual settlement and residence incentive will be introduced for households living on Kastellorizo.

The payment will be tax-free and protected from seizure, while families will receive an additional €1,000 for every minor child.

The announced requirement is at least one full year of residence on the island.

For people already permanently living on Kastellorizo, payments are expected to begin in early 2027.

For households moving to the island as new residents, payments are expected to begin in 2028 and continue annually.

New weekly ferry connection

The government also plans to strengthen Kastellorizo’s connection with the rest of Greece.

From the beginning of 2027, an additional subsidised ferry service is planned each week on the Piraeus, Rhodes and Kastellorizo route.

The additional service is expected to operate every Wednesday, giving residents another connection to Rhodes and mainland Greece.

Free housing for doctors, teachers and public servants

Housing remains one of the biggest challenges facing remote Greek islands.

Under the plan announced in Kastellorizo, HELLENiQ ENERGY will undertake the reconstruction of old houses that can then be used to provide free accommodation for public servants.

The accommodation will be available to essential workers including doctors, teachers and Coast Guard personnel.

The government hopes the combination of free housing and the €5,000 annual incentive will make it easier to attract and retain workers on the island.

Infrastructure projects planned for Kastellorizo

The wider government package includes several infrastructure projects designed to improve everyday life on Kastellorizo.

Plans include:

• Restoration of the island’s central port
• Modernisation of the airport
• Improvements to the road network
• New desalination units
• Upgrades to water supply infrastructure
• Improvements to sewage networks
• Biological treatment works
• Permanent teachers and upgraded educational resources
• Digital equipment for schools
• Regular visits by mobile medical units for preventive examinations

Mitsotakis recalls Kastellorizo’s painful 2010 association

During his speech, Mitsotakis also referred to the island’s association with one of the most difficult moments in modern Greek economic history.

He recalled that in 2010, then Prime Minister George Papandreou announced Greece’s move towards the international support mechanism from Kastellorizo.

“I know how bitter it was for us, how bitter it was for you, the image of 2010, with Kastellorizo being chosen as the setting to announce the country’s passage into the painful years of the memoranda,” Mitsotakis said.

He argued that the association did not reflect what Kastellorizo deserved and said the island’s circumstances today are fundamentally different.

“Kastellorizo is not just another one of our islands”

Mitsotakis closed by highlighting the historic and national significance of Kastellorizo and praising the residents who have remained there despite the island’s challenges.

He described it as a “border rock that has passed through a thousand waves, but never bent.”

“Kastellorizo is not just another one of our islands. It is deeply engraved in every Greek man and woman,” he said.

The government’s message from Kastellorizo was therefore twofold: strengthen the island by supporting the people who live and work there, while making clear that Greece is prepared to pursue dialogue with Turkey without compromising its sovereignty or sovereign rights.

Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.