“Today, the seasonals firefighters who were hired on SYRIZA in 2019 they stay on the road. And this is not because there is no other solution but because of a vengeful choice of the political leadership“, states SYRIZA PS in its announcement on the occasion of the statements of the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, asking why he does not extend their term with an amendment.

SYRIZA states in detail:

“On the occasion of the statements of the competent minister, Mr. Kikiliawho accused the SYRIZA Government of the fact that today, he is firing thousands of seasonal firefighters, we clarify the following.

The Fire Brigade, when it was taken over by SYRIZA, had three levels of personnel: a) the permanent ones, b) the five-year employment ones and c) the seasonal ones, who were hired per fire season, per year.

While SYRIZA was in government, the term of 2,500 five-year firefighters expired. Despite the cries of the New Democracy at the time, despite the memoranda, despite the committee and despite the hiring restriction, SYRIZA made these 2,500 firefighters permanent (as they were originally entitled to).

In addition, for the immediate reinforcement of the Fire Department and with Minister Olga Gerovasilis, 876 Firefighters with five years of employment were hired, who came from seasonal workers and with a new announcement, approximately 1,000 seasonal workers were hired, in addition to the 1,245 seasonal workers already employed (total 2,245).

And the most important of all: SYRIZA established the introduction through pan-Hellenic exams to the Fire Brigade, so that the process of introducing new Firefighters is meritorious and periodic.

Today, the seasonal firefighters hired under SYRIZA in 2019 stay on the street. And this is not because there is no other solution but because of a vengeful choice of the political leadership. Indeed, as Mr. Kikilias said, these firefighters serve by virtue of the P.D. 36/2019 of SYRIZA, which allowed for a five-year renewal of their annual contracts. But why doesn’t the Minister extend their term of office with an amendment? Does he not know that before SYRIZA and for 15 years the Fire Brigade used the same seasonal workers who were hired in 2003 with PD 124/2003?

Yes, SYRIZA restored the staff that were held hostage and issued a new P.D. and new competition for seasonals.

What prevents the Minister from restoring the seasonal workers? Either by renewing their term of office, or by joining the Fire Department? Does he not realize that these people serve permanent and lasting needs in dealing with the climate crisis?

At the very least, let him not scold them, accusing, in fact, the P.D. of SYRIZA, thanks to which the country has been enjoying the services of seasonal firefighters for five years.».