The objections of unconstitutionality filed by PASOK, SYRIZA, Pleussi Eleftherias and New Left against the amendment for the protection and care of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, which the opposition parties had requested to be withdrawn, were rejected.

“It is obvious that all of us have always respected the monument of the Unknown Soldier and even in the most difficult moments of the last 15 years, no Greek has proceeded to desecrate this monument”, said PASOK parliamentary representative Pavlos Christidis, stressing that New Democracy wants to use “false dilemmas”. “The government is acting with vengeful fury. It violates Article 11 on assemblies and Article 25 on the principle of proportionality”, complained the parliamentary representative of SYRIZA Nikos Pappas, submitting an objection of unconstitutionality.

“The government’s aim is to create a protection zone around the Parliament from the people,” argued Nikos Karathanasopoulos, calling for its withdrawal, while Sia Anagnostopoulou expressed the New Left’s agreement with the objections of unconstitutionality. Eleni Karageorgopoulou of Plefsis Eleftheria also spoke about the unconstitutional regulation, while NIKI also called for her withdrawal.

The one-page amendment stipulates, with a single article, that in the area in front of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier – as an area of ​​particular historical and national importance, to preserve its integrity and its intended use – any activity that may alter or interfere with the character and operation of the Monument will be prohibited.

What it provides:

a) The use or occupation of the space surface for any purpose other than visiting the Monument and highlighting its importance,

b) any alteration of the space,

c) the holding of any public outdoor gathering within the meaning of paragraph 1 of article 2 of Law 4703/2020 (A’ 131), including spontaneous and extraordinary outdoor public gathering within the meaning of paragraphs 4 and 5 of the above article 2.

2. Those who violate par. 1 are punished with imprisonment of up to one (1) year, provided that they are not punished more severely by another provision.

3. The Ministry of National Defense takes all the necessary measures for the maintenance, care and promotion of the Monument and the area of ​​par. 1, either by its own means, or through the assignment of relevant contracts.

4. For the maintenance of public order, including the Violation of par. 1, the Greek Police is responsible according to the written provisions.

In total, the amendment is signed by 7 ministers: Economy and Finances Kyriakos Pierrakakis, National Defense Nikos Dendias, Interiors Thodoris Livanios, Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoides, Environment Stavros Papastavrou, Justice Giorgos Floridis and Culture Lina Mendonis.