PASOK "blocks” the split of the large island municipalities

An intense background is taking place since last night, right after the submission of the amendment brought by PASOK congressman Mr. Sifounakis, concerning the split of 5 major island municipalities (Lesvos, Corfu , Samos , Rhodes , Kefalonia ).

The amendment, filed after the Mr. Sifounakis agreement with the Minister of Justice Mr. Athanasiou, due to the interest of both for the partition of the municipality of Lesbos, but also due to the pressure exerted by public opinion of large islands. This is blocked though, by PASOK that believes that if the large island municipalities stay united there is a chance that can win two of them in the following elections, the Municipality of Corfu and the Municipality of Rhodes.
Having created a network of customer relationships by longtime governance of the country, PASOK considers that there are reasonable hopes of gaining Corfu and Rhodes .

Focused on this direction are also two Parliament Members that are elected in these two islands, Mr. Kremastinos and Mrs. Gkerekou. In consultation with the Secretary General of the Parliamentary Group of PASOK Mr. Rigas, a meeting of the coordinating body of the RO was organized, with two goals:

a) to express political disagreement towards the amendment of Sifunakis.

b ) Set veto in order the amendment to be withdrawn.
It is very interesting that PASOK wants the withdrawal of the amendment, which shifts the pressure and responsibility of the Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Michelakis.

Mr. Rigas and the specific PASOK MPs do not even want to vote on this amendment concerning the division of municipalities, simply because they fear passed by a majority of the House .

Mr. Sifunakis is sure to vote for it, since he is the one that submitted it, and it is indicative that he didn't even go to the meeting of the coordinating body of PASOKs Parliamentary Group, thus passing a clear message. It is also estimated that there are 4-5 PASOKs Parliament Members who will also vote in favor of the amendment.

PASOK wants to avoid the vote because there are reasonable grounds for believing that the MPs of AN.EL and DIMAR will vote in favor of the amendment and that the KKE will abstain facilitating its approval.
Behind this development however, is hidden an intergovernmental objection between the Minister of Justice Mr. Athanasiou , who wishes the split of the municipality of Lesbos and the Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Mixelakis , who is not positive towards this possibility and has even been accused of for deliberate obstruction and procrastination.

Sources from PASOK said the Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Mixelakis is against to the amendment and he doesn't want to proceed to splitting the municipalities, but was forced to accept the submission of the amendment after pressure from the Maximou, since it is known that Mr Athanasiou has better accesses there. They argue that even after yesterday's decision of the coordinating body of PASOK's Parliamentary Group, it is easier for Mr Michelakis to withdraw the amendment, citing the reaction of other government partner.

It is indicative, that some argue that Mr. Mixelakis was in agreement with the Mr. Rigas , the general secretary of the PASOK's Purliament Group to find a way out of this difficult situation.

But things are not so simple since Mr. Athanasiou insists that the amendment should not be withdrawn and to come to a vote, even with a roll call vote since he has secured the favorable vote of independent Parliament Members and he is certain that the amendment will be voted.

The Minister of Justice's, persistence to bring the amendment for vote to the Parliament leads to Mr. Mixelakis exposure in the eyes of his countrymen from Lesbos.

It is obvious that this amendment will bring big problems in both parties of the coalition government, no matter what the end will be.