The mayor of Heraklion, Alexis Kalokairinos, points out the need to take initiatives that will lead to the crackdown on illegal gun ownership and gun use in Crete, in his statement, on the occasion of the tragic incident of a vendetta with 2 dead in Vorizia.

Alexis Kalokairinos emphasizes that now is the time for action, stating:

“It is not enough to express our sadness when these events are repeated and manifested in the way we have all experienced them in recent days. It is time for action, it is time for everyone who represents institutions and exercises power to take responsibility. What we should decide and state clearly is that an end will be put to the illegal possession and use of weapons in Crete. And every initiative that will lead to this result should be taken.

There must obviously be an agreement, which I personally seek with the representatives of the State and with the Local Government, so that it can do its part, and of course with our representatives in the Parliament. We can’t stay wishful thinking. We have to face reality and this reality is grim and mortgages a future that we have a responsibility to secure as much as possible. All discussion should be directed to the next day. It is time to act».

Responding to a journalist’s question about initiatives that can be undertaken, similar to the one started by the late rector of the University of Crete George Grammatikakis, the mayor of Heraklion said:

“Not only today, but for special reasons today, we miss Giorgos Grammatikakis. And voices like that of Giorgos Grammatikakis are missing. But we have to make up for that. I have proposed to the president of the PED of Crete to take on a relevant task initiative of a meeting of the local governments of Creteof our representatives in Parliament and actors of the State in which everyone should express themselves with directness and boldness. A specific comprehensive plan should be drawn up to deal with illegal gun possession and use, but also organized crime in general on the island. There, the work should be divided according to responsibility, everyone should take on the part that belongs to him. I think coordination is needed, but we also need solidarity, and this is also a way to help lift the veil of fear that creates the veil of silence.”