“Mr. Mitsotakis chose to cover his personal responsibilities for the tragic development of the fires with his usual, but now dangerous communication tactics”, says the SYRIZA-PS in a statement, noting that the prime minister announced the implementation of measures already in force and measures that must be taken.

In addition, the official opposition party accuses Mr. Mitsotakis of insisting on “neoliberal ideology”.

In particular, SYRIZA reports that the prime minister “as in August 2021, gathered a multitude of ministers at the Maximos Palace to “decide” on the implementation of what is already in force in the institutional framework for the burnt lands, as well as the granting of the restoration and management of the forest of land to private individuals”. He comments that “the big-mouthed statements refer to measures that must be taken, such as declaring the affected forest areas as reforestable, or the immediate implementation of anti-flood and anti-corrosion projects, as well as compensation to those affected”. “But faithful to the neoliberal ideology, that everything can be solved by the market”, SYRIZA emphasizes, “a prominent position in government announcements is occupied by the “rehabilitation contractor”, which does not ensure that all affected forest ecosystems will be restored, with the same projects and with a common schedule, but only based on the interests and needs of the “contractors-sponsors”.

SYRIZA comments that it expects Mr. Mitsotakis “to present something more than what the legislation has been saying for years” and in particular “a serious plan for the restoration of the affected areas, with an emphasis on environmental restoration, but also on economic and social functions. But also the substantial upgrading of civil protection and the policy of prevention and treatment of fires which for 4 years were not among his priorities, as he proved in a tragic way this summer”.

“Let Mr. Mitsotakis understand that the fairy tale of the “staff” state has collapsed”, he says finally.