Konstantinos Koukas: First among equals

Away from the rigid political language, a young man proves that some people deserve our attention.

Konstantinos, you are 100% Mykonian, as both your parents come from the island. Tell us about your life so far.
That is true, I do hail from Mykonos, I grew up on the island and now I have come back to stay forever. In brief, I finished school in Mykonos and then I initially went to University in Komotini, where I received two degrees from the University of Thrace, one in Law and the other from the Department of Languages, Literature and Culture of the Black Sea Countries. Then I went to Athens and finished my post-graduate studies at the Law School of Athens, focusing on European and International studies. Today, I do distance learning courses; a post-graduate degree in Tourism Management, at the Hellenic Open University. Professionally, I practise law in Mykonos, where I returned as soon as I finished my practice at the European Parliament. I previously worked in Athens, assuming positions of responsibility at the Ministry of Interior Affairs, at the University of Athens, and I was also a practising lawyer at the Athens Bar Association.
I am always socially and politically active and I currently participate in local government and serve my island as local councillor for the South Aegean Periphery (the Cyclades and the Dodecanese Islands) representing the district of Mykonos, which was created as a result of the “Kallikratis Plan” and includes the island complex of Mykonos, Delos and Rhenea.
Although you were a first-time candidate, you did pretty well at the elections and you are now one of the youngest local councillors in Greece. How do you feel about this?
The truth is that my candidature was very well received by my countrymen and I managed to be elected first in terms of number of votes in all the Cyclades. It is a great honour and responsibility for me, while it is an encouraging thing to see people giving an opportunity to young men who are willing to deal with public affairs and the future of our country.
Why did you decide to come back and live permanently in Mykonos?
After an 11-year spell in mainland Greece and abroad, I decided that the time had come to plan my return. I spent a wonderful creative time in many places; I met a lot of people and gained considerable experience. But when I started to think about where I wanted to put down my roots, the answer emerged casually and naturally: in my country, on the island, close to my family and friends. It was a conscious decision and so far I have not regretted it at all. On the contrary, every day I realize that it was the best choice ever. Of course, Mykonos is a place regularly connected with Athens and other points on the horizon, so you never feel stuck, quite the contrary.
Do you spend all year in Mykonos?
My office and my family are in Mykonos. I spend a few days, almost every week, in Ermoupolis of Syros, which is where our courts and the offices of the South Aegean Periphery are located. In addition to that, I regularly travel to Rhodes and other islands to attend meetings organized by regional institutions, and, in winter, I also spend some weekends in Athens.
What satisfies you about the island and what would you like to see changed?
As a permanent resident of the island, I am satisfied with the culture and the quality of everyday life, but it is imperative to reinforce public structures and services provided by the State to its citizens. I consider that it is totally inconceivable that there is no fire brigade in Mykonos or that people are forced to travel to other islands or to Athens in order to carry out simple bureaucratic procedures. The undermanned health services, security and education constitute an inhibiting factor for development, both for locals and people visiting our island.
As a young Regional Councillor and a young professional, what role would you like to play in these changes?
Given the fact that I represent a large part of society and that as a lawyer I sense the pulse of society every day, it is my desire to be useful to my fellow citizens on the one hand, and, on the other, I want to help the new generation of our island express itself. This is a generation that has completely different characteristics and requirements from the previous ones. My institutional role is to represent Mykonians in the South Aegean District and this is where I want to materialize my contribution to these changes.
What do you think you can offer to Mykonos?
I can offer my mood for change and improvement and, given my personal attributes and my enthusiasm for my country, I wish to participate in the formation of a new era. Mykonians are very lucky to be born in this blessed land and we have an obligation both towards our ancestors and our descendants to preserve the island’s environment and culture, and to draw a strategic plan in order to decide what kind of development is required henceforth and how we can achieve it. At this stage of planning, apart from the experience of those who preceded us, we need to develop new attitudes with alternative approaches to administration and programming.
The South Aegean Periphery consists of several large islands, such as Naxos, Rhodes and Kos and small islands, such as Anafi, Kimolos and Kasos. What is the position of Mykonos in the Periphery?
The South Aegean Periphery consists of 48 inhabited islands and a vast maritime area. It is blessed with beautiful places, with distinctive contrasts and different problems. I believe that Mykonos can set an example in many sectors, particularly in tourism, where it occupies the foremost position among all  the islands, and possibly in terms of certain infrastructures. Of course, we can also borrow some ideas and practices that have been successfully applied elsewhere, and we could become a significant importer of local products made in those islands where agricultural production and farming are more developed.
What advice would you give to someone visiting Mykonos for the first time?
I would advise them not to carry any of the prejudiced ideas on Mykonos and to draw their own conclusions. Besides, since the island offers many options at the same time, I would advise them to ask and trust the locals, to experience the island according to those options which better fit their preferences. Mykonos has a lot of services and can satisfy every visitor, as long as tourists are able to find the ideal rhythm for them. And a special tip: visit Delos and wander around in its archaeological area.
Name three favourite, different places or hangouts for three different hours of the day.
Morning coffee in one of the cafes at Gialos, early or late lunch at the restaurants of Ano Mera square, after bathing in the sea, sunset in Little Venice or alternatively at the lighthouse in Armenistis.