About the prices of the ferry tickets and the powerful motivation by the government to contain or even reduce them, for the transport equivalent, the actions it has taken to address the problems of the islanders, but also about the political timeliness, the Minister of Maritime and Island Policy spoke. Vassilis Kikilias In an interview with SKAI television.
Regarding Easter ticket prices, he clarified that these days the ferry companies have 20% -30% for Greek discount packages on all trips, while discounts of 50% have other groups such as students, multiple children, etc.
Regarding the increases in ticket prices that the market had announced that it would be in force on May 1, due to the shift of ferry companies to the most expensive “green fuel”, the minister explained that with the amendment passed to Parliament for a 50% decrease in port fees, the ships were given to the ferry. And the speedboats, which already use this fuel, will even be able to reduce prices.
“I understand that because of the climate crisis the EU requires ships to use a lot of fuel that costs a lot. But as a government we had to find a way to protect our fellow citizens. The 50% reduction in port fees in all ports of the country, plus concessionaires, namely COSCO, the port of Thessaloniki, Mr. Savvidis, etc. enables them to save from 30 million to 35m euros. Now is the reason for ferry companies, the market is free and regulated. But I think it is an important incentive to halt and I want to say that for the high speeds the fuel has not changed. So we are expecting similar and very brave moves from the ferry to the ticket prices from May 1st. “
For the movements of the islanders, Mr Kikilias said he had come to consult with the government’s financial staff, under Vice -President Hatzidakis, so that the transport equivalent can start in May and pay.
On the issue that arose on Astypalaia-Kalymnos routes on Easter for the needs of breeders, he replied that it was resolved, as it was decided that the “Kalymnos Island” ship was decided to start routes on Good Tuesday. In addition, from May 1st and in collaboration with Ane Kalymnos, one will be added to the 4 itineraries.
Asked about salaries in the Armed Forces and Security Forces, he replied: “Look, I talked to the timing once. Beyond that you have officially heard from the most formal lips and at the top level that what the government will announce will be made by the Prime Minister at the TIF. The government surrounds with confidence, love and aware of the duty they perform daily, the armed forces, the Greek Police, the Fire Brigade and the Port. Together they are 150,000 people with their families. There should always be care of it. I totally agree with those who say that there are no money, and economic policy cannot be reckless. That is why you saw that when there was a problem, this in the ferry with price increases, under the Chief Vice -President, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, I worked with Mr. Papastavrou, the Minister of Energy, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. It does with the support of our travelers. Based on these facts, politicians must work. “
For the explosion at Hellenic Train offices He said that “the self -judiciary of terrorism has been condemned horizontally and perpendicular to the whole of Greek society, we must not return to such times. We have confidence in the Greek Police, and we must have confidence and let it do its job and the judiciary.
Finally, V. Kikilias was called upon to comment on the political news, said: “The Greek government and the prime minister have tried to protect Greek society and our fellow citizens against many challenges, in an international environment that is not normal. We have a constant obligation to respond to the needs of the citizens and we must do so consistently, without political faultness, in short and many actions, so that people feel and say that “they look to see, there are some people like us, they think like us, they care and care for us.”