{"id":21510,"date":"2026-09-13T19:03:02","date_gmt":"2026-09-13T19:03:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/13\/we-do-not-accept-threats-greek-city-times\/"},"modified":"2026-09-13T19:03:02","modified_gmt":"2026-09-13T19:03:02","slug":"we-do-not-accept-threats-greek-city-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/13\/we-do-not-accept-threats-greek-city-times\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cWe Do Not Accept Threats\u201d \u2013 Greek City Times"},"content":{"rendered":"


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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.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Kastellorizo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Speaking during celebrations marking the anniversary of the island\u2019s liberation, Mitsotakis also unveiled a package of measures aimed at strengthening Kastellorizo economically and demographically, including \u20ac5,000 annual incentives for public servants and permanent resident households<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The government\u2019s plan focuses on keeping existing residents on the island, attracting new families and improving essential infrastructure and services.<\/p>\n

A firm message from Kastellorizo<\/h2>\n

Mitsotakis used his presence on Kastellorizo to reiterate Greece\u2019s position on relations with Turkey.<\/p>\n

He said Greece wants friendly relations with its neighbour, without tensions or provocations, based on International Law and the Law of the Sea.<\/p>\n

But he made clear that dialogue does not mean accepting threats.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Mitsotakis described Kastellorizo as an \u201cemblematic place\u201d from which Greece can send a message of peace, while making clear that revisionist aspirations have no place in the region.<\/p>\n

He also stressed the island\u2019s European significance, noting that the message from Megisti extends beyond Greece because Kastellorizo is European territory<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u20ac5,000 annual incentive for public servants<\/h2>\n

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 \u20ac5,000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u20ac5,000 for households that live on Kastellorizo<\/h2>\n

A separate \u20ac5,000 annual settlement and residence incentive<\/strong> will be introduced for households living on Kastellorizo.<\/p>\n

The payment will be tax-free and protected from seizure<\/strong>, while families will receive an additional \u20ac1,000 for every minor child<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The announced requirement is at least one full year of residence<\/strong> on the island.<\/p>\n

For people already permanently living on Kastellorizo, payments are expected to begin in early 2027<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

For households moving to the island as new residents, payments are expected to begin in 2028<\/strong> and continue annually.<\/p>\n

New weekly ferry connection<\/h2>\n

The government also plans to strengthen Kastellorizo\u2019s connection with the rest of Greece.<\/p>\n

From the beginning of 2027, an additional subsidised ferry service<\/strong> is planned each week on the Piraeus, Rhodes and Kastellorizo<\/strong> route.<\/p>\n

The additional service is expected to operate every Wednesday, giving residents another connection to Rhodes and mainland Greece.<\/p>\n

Free housing for doctors, teachers and public servants<\/h2>\n

Housing remains one of the biggest challenges facing remote Greek islands.<\/p>\n

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

The accommodation will be available to essential workers including doctors, teachers and Coast Guard personnel<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The government hopes the combination of free housing and the \u20ac5,000 annual incentive will make it easier to attract and retain workers on the island.<\/p>\n

Infrastructure projects planned for Kastellorizo<\/h2>\n

The wider government package includes several infrastructure projects designed to improve everyday life on Kastellorizo.<\/p>\n

Plans include:<\/p>\n