Founding Declaration

Every year, Paros is visited by a large number of tourists, while at the same time more and more peoplechooseour island as a place of permanent residence. Tourism as a main source of income confronts us with pressing problems and dilemmas. Thus, it isincreasinglybecoming importantthat the local government address the everyday lifeissues and the planning and managementof thefuture of the island.

The Administration of the Municipality must be alert and in readiness sincenew tasks, responsibilitiesand authorizationsare constantly arising. The Central Government provides neither the necessary funding and flexibilitynor the potential of supplementary staffing with adequate and qualified human resources. These must betop prioritydemands in order for a borough to function smoothly and productively.

There are many problems. Yet, we must insist on solutions. Solutionsthat are feasible.Solutions not being offered through empty promises and tolerance, but by our fellow citizens who are united by responsibility,love for and willingness to contributeto our island, Paros.These are the citizens whocreate the conditions of a healthy living model. Coexistence, co-decision and inclusiveness must be the prerequisites for a Paros of sustainability and circular economy.

The local governmentbeing the domain where direct and effective democracy breathes and where the voice and wishes of the citizen are valued must withstand the interests and changes that are being planned in our absence.

We have decided to challengethe administration of the Municipality of Paros with the municipal party PAROS with RESPONSIBILITYand UNITY with Konstantinos N. Bizas being the head and candidate for Mayor.

Our goal is to attempt to deal with the problems effectively and highlight the prospects of the island on the basis of the common good.

Our priorities:

- To defend the identityand uniquecharacteristics of our island within the framework of the island community and the legislated insularity.

- To protect the public area. To defend small and family business.To protect and preserve both the natural environment and the architectural identity of the settlements as well as all those elements that make up our Cycladic, Parian culture.

- To effectively support the Health Centre and the Rural Clinics of Paros, while at the same time undertake a substantial initiative for the foundation of a new health structure that will cater to the needs of the ever-increasing population during summer and winter on Paros.

- To facilitate the daily life of the residents as well as the stay of the visitors by improving and modernisingthe public infrastructure concerning cleaning, recycling, road network, parking, water supply, sewage and water reuse.

- To reinforce andmake the most of the human resources of our municipality in a rational and efficient way.

- To enhance tourism within the framework of sustainability, preserving our identity and traditions, always in cooperation with the professionaland cultural associations.

- To strengthen and contribute to the promotion ofboth the primary sector (agriculture, fisheries, livestock, beekeeping, etc.) and secondary sector (packing plants, olive oil mills, wineries, etc.)

- To support public education by providing all schools on our island with technical equipment and by taking the initiative to solve building and operational problems.

- To preserve and promote our cultural heritage (cultural sites, ancient quarries, historical monuments, cultural festivals, municipal conservatory, art workshops, learning to play traditional instruments).

- To develop the necessary sports infrastructure for both residents and visitorsof our island enhancing at the same time our youth’s physique alongside its mental and spiritual development.

- To encourage and utilize the human resources that are active in voluntary associations and organizations of the island.

- To apply for State and European Union funding programs with comprehensive studies.

- To prepare our island for its integration into the digital age.

Dear fellow citizens,

We invite you to join our municipal party, united by our common policy program and our love for Paros. Without rigidities and party stereotypes.

No one is superfluous. We are open to proposals and innovative ideas.

The democratic forces of our place, citizens from all age groups as well as citizens with many years of experience, give us both the powerand the reassurance that we can take over the administration of our Municipality and lead Paros to a better and safer future.

There is no time for complacency or even indifference.

Together we can all take a step forward and give Paros the place it deserves.

The time has come.It is time to join forces, regroup ourselves and work for what the island needs leaving behind old attitudes and practices.