The decision to close the parks in Attica is logical and necessary. It is a decision made to protect citizens and not to punish them. And the interest of society is the only rule for the administration of the Region.

This is the response of the administration of the Region to the intense criticism leveled at it in recent days regarding indifference towards the needs of the citizens, even punitive disposition towards economically weaker groups, on the occasion of its decision to close the parks of its responsibility, due to the extreme weather conditions.

He also notes that in response to this criticism, he clarifies the following:

First of all, in the relevant circular of the Ministry of Health (https://t.ly/kBJSe) as incorporated in the relevant instructions for dealing with the heat wave published by the Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection (https://t.ly/phmTd), citizens are recommended to stay in a cool or air-conditioned place, especially in vulnerable groups.

The Athens Medical Association also includes the same provision in its https://t.ly/bkEfW instructions, urging citizens to limit their movements and stay indoors with air conditioning, as well as to avoid any form of physical activity outdoors (parks, etc.), not only during the day, but also at night.

For those of our fellow citizens who do not have air conditioning, air-conditioned areas operate 24 hours a day in all Municipalities, for which those interested can obtain detailed information in real time through the website of the Region of Attica at https://t.ly/z1d7Z.

With regard to the forests and groves of the Region, citizens are aware of the actions of the administration to reverse the images of abandonment of the past and deliver to society real public spaces, functional, upgraded and safe, by taking all the necessary measures in this direction. But we must not forget that the explosive mixture of heat and strong winds multiplies the risk of forest fire. It is therefore imperative that there are no visitors, not only to avoid the case of arson, but mainly so that lives are not at risk in the inevitable event of a fire, while at the same time the fire crews can comfortably extinguish it.

The Region characterizes its decision as “logical and necessary”, just as “sad and dangerous” characterizes the criticism leveled at the issue.

He concludes by stressing “We cannot sacrifice the safety of citizens on the altar of petty political impressions. And under no circumstances will we follow the irresponsible practices of previous administrations, which led to the death of hundreds of our fellow citizens who were faced with the consequences of the climate crisis”.