The Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias spoke to SKAI 100.3 about the provocations of a few dozen allegedly outraged against 2.5 thousand seasonal firefighters, referring to yesterday’s (Thursday) occupation of the ministry.

He pointed out that representatives of the seasonal firefighters had already met with the Fire Chief and Deputy Minister Mr. Tournas, left satisfied from the meetings, and had set an appointment with him the following Wednesday at 9 am. Mr. Kikilias even emphasized that the appointment does not change.

Regarding yesterday’s events – when MAT forces tried to remove the squatters from the building using chemicals and stun grenades resulting in injuries to 2 seasonal firefighters and 12 policemen – Mr Kikilias said that some people tried to enter the Center Operations, while 2 fires were in progress. In fact, he mentioned that their representatives themselves were asking them to go out.

The minister noted that their only goal was to upload videos on the internet with the title “MAT vs. firefighters”.

Mr. Kikilias also accused the opposition, saying that “they are exploiting in the most shameless way the agony of these people”. As he characteristically observed, “Ms. Konstantopoulou, Mr. Kasselakis saw a gathering and ran.”

Referring to the demands of the seasonal firefighters, he noted that they were hired with the 2019 SYRIZA prefecture on annual contracts. The minister clarified that the contract has ended, and we are obliged to promulgate a new law, with increased voting.

He stated that the ND received a fire department with 13,100 firefighters and in the next fire season we will have 18,000. Referring to the age limits set for the recruitment of seasonal firefighters, he noted that the possibility of older people becoming forest workers would be considered.

The minister – also addressing the opposition – said they have to answer if they want a fire service that is thriving and operational.

Today’s announcement by ELAS about the episodes

“Following the 31-10-2024 Announcement regarding the gathering of seasonal firefighters at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the Headquarters of the Hellenic Police announces that, in order to evaluate and fully investigate the incidents included in all the preliminary investigation material ( affidavits, video and photographic material), which has been collected by the Attica Security Directorate, this will be immediately forwarded to the competent Prosecutor, as well as to the Ombudsman, in the context of his institutional role as a competent control mechanism”.