On July 2, 2026, the Greek Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis, addressed the public regarding the recent arson attack in Thessaloniki, which resulted in multiple casualties. During a televised interview on ERT, Georgiadis expressed his condolences to the family of Afroditi Nestora, whose mother lost her life in the incident while sleeping at home. He confirmed that Afroditi had suffered severe burns to her limbs and would be transferred to the Papageorgiou General Hospital for treatment, while her father was expected to be discharged soon.
Georgiadis emphasized the shocking nature of the attack, stating that an innocent woman lost her life while resting in her home. He attributed this tragedy to years of political tolerance toward violent groups and illegal activities. The minister called for an end to the violence associated with the far-left, asserting that such actions must be definitively outlawed. He criticized the use of Molotov cocktails, heavy stones, and bombs, emphasizing that individuals who resort to such methods should face exemplary punishment.
The minister highlighted the government's efforts in addressing these issues, including the clearing of occupations in university spaces, police operations against illegal gatherings, and the dismantling of unauthorized areas. He expressed confidence that the Greek Police were close to identifying the perpetrators and urged the judiciary to impose strict penalties for their actions.
Georgiadis also commented on the targets of the attacks, suggesting that they were aimed at the New Democracy party. He noted that the victims included party members without police protection, indicating a lack of courage on the part of the attackers. He further speculated that the recent incidents might be linked to the clearance of occupied university spaces, noting significant progress in combating lawlessness compared to previous years.
In response to the political reactions, Georgiadis acknowledged that almost all political parties condemned the attack. However, he pointed out the absence of a similar statement from the Freedom Movement party. Regarding Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Georgiadis welcomed his public condemnation of terrorism as a step forward but emphasized that his stance on stricter legal measures would determine his true position.
Additionally, Georgiadis addressed the allegations made by Pavlos Aslanidis against Zoe Konstantinou concerning the Tempi case. While the minister did not elaborate further on this matter, he indicated that the issue required attention and appropriate action.
The incident has sparked discussions about the need for stronger legal frameworks to address political violence and ensure public safety. As investigations continue, the focus remains on identifying those responsible and implementing necessary reforms to prevent future occurrences. The government's commitment to tackling such threats underscores its dedication to maintaining order and protecting citizens from acts of violence.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter