Mayor of Zakynthos triggers outrage, calling “crippled” people with disabilities

The Mayor of Zakynthos triggered an outrage when he called people with disabilities “crippled”, “useless” and without skills.

Mayor Nikitas Aretakis used these shameful descriptions during an online conference with members of the Water & Power Company of Zakynthos (DEYAZ) on November 20.

On the agenda was also the hiring of people from vulnerable groups who were long-term unemployed and aged 55-67, who needed some social contribution stamps to be able to retire. Note that such recruitment via the Greek Employment Agency is subsidized by the state.

The Mayor who is also the President of the DEYA told his interlocutor: “Is this the mess you want in the company? To hire subsidized, who have no idea about the business, who work for a specific time and then leave, who have no , to have no organization in the department and you’re waiting for the business to go ahead? With subsidized people and people who can not work, crippled, DEYAZ will move forward, right? DEYAZ will go ahead with crippled people, right? Will DEYAZ go ahead with them? ”

Recorded footage from the online conference with Aretakis’ statements was displayed on the morning magazine of OPEN TV on Tuesday morning. the Mayor did not return a call by the broadcaster.  Its correspondent on the island said “when the mayor realized the uproar caused by his statement, said that the characterization did not concern the disabled.”

Even if it is not for disable but for elderly or vulnerable groups is it unacceptable.

According to Open TV, reports have been filed to the Ministries of Interior and Labor.

, Open TV said. , however, it is an indecent expression, even if it concerned the vulnerable groups or retirees.

The local Association of People with Disabilities “Popolaroi” send an open letter to the Mayor calling him to be accountable.

Such characterizations violate the Constitution of the Country, the Greek and European Legislation for Human Rights as well as the moral principles of coexistence of all individuals,” the Association said, adding that they  also “insult People with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses but also the human existence and the Human Rights.”