2024-08-24 05:02:33
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung correspondent Mikael Martens writes about the mafia of Mykonos, but also the failure of the Greek government to limit it.
The German journalist first points out that the promises of the government of Athens to restore the rule of law in Mykonos and effectively combat illegal construction projects have not been fulfilled.
«[…] Behind the showcase that presents the island on Instagram is a construction mafia, which fills the entire island with cement without caring about anything. And woe betide those who dare to stand in her way” the publication notes.
The Frankfurt newspaper also refers to the beating of Michalis Psarrou, a case that “shocked the country and called into question the Mitsotakis government’s promises to strengthen law and order”. As part of the investigations, evidence was found of “corrupt tycoons of the construction industry, club owners, hoteliers, local politicians and police officers with the best connections with corrupt partners in the capital’s authorities”, emphasizes FAZ, recalling the recent murder of surveyor Panagiotis Stathis in Psychic.
“A square meter costs even more than 30,000 euros”
“It is certain that a lot of money is played in Mykonos. […] And although there are hundreds of hotels on the island, new facilities are constantly being built. […] In addition, nowhere else in Greece are the prices for a second home higher compared to the Cyclades islands – in Mykonos, in fact, a square meter can be priced at 7,000 euros, while in prime locations even over 30,000 euros.”
Mykonos: And new arrests – Police checks continue
The legal loophole
The FAZ report further explains that the Mykonos mafia among others “uses a law that provides that any buildings erected illegally in Greece before since July 2011 they can be retroactively “legalized” by paying not too high fines. […] And the dates of construction of many buildings built in Mykonos long after 2011 are systematically falsified, so as to fall within the particular law. […] This is very easily proven by the downloads of the Hellenic Air Force or Google Maps – if of course someone wants to prove it.”
Of course, uncontrolled development has consequences for tourists as well, and the island’s infrastructure is being tested: “Already many times the island’s sewage system clogged during the high season – and the faeces that overflowed the wells gave the jet-set exactly an unforgettable holiday experience.”
Source: Deutsche Welle