(Kathimerini) A growing number of residents on the eastern Aegean island of Chios are opposing the planned creation of a closed camp for migrants. Reactions culminated during Thursday’s public holiday, when several hundred residents gathered at the port to prevent machinery that will [be] used by the construction contractor (GEK Terna) from being unloaded from a ferry.
The political fallout could prove costly for the government, as Chios will most likely elect a single deputy to Parliament as of this summer, according to the recent population census.
Seeking to defuse the tension, Migration Minister Notis Mitarakis — an elected MP of ruling New Democracy on the island — held an online press conference Friday with local media, stressing the structure will protect the islanders.
