Political Blaze Over Wildfires and Emergency Alert System 112

The political temperature in Greece is rising alongside the devastating wildfires sweeping across the country, as the government and opposition trade accusations over fire prevention, planning, and the effectiveness of response mechanisms like the “112” emergency alert system.

While the government insists this year saw an unprecedented deployment of aerial and ground assets, opposition parties argue that years of negligence, poor preparation, and staff shortages in the Fire Service have left communities dangerously exposed.

Intra-party Tensions and Heated Statements

A striking moment in the debate came when ruling New Democracy MP Sofia Voultepsi, speaking on MEGA TV, suggested that the state should rely more on volunteers than complex legislation or structured hiring:

“Instead of passing laws about uniforms and equipment, we should fight to increase the number of volunteers. We’ve seen that areas with patrols are easier to defend.”

Her comment sparked an outcry—even within her own party—with government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakisresponding indirectly by stating that Greece now has nearly 3,000 volunteer firefighters, significantly more than in 2021.

“In every national crisis, opposition parties see citizens’ fear and hardship as an opportunity for political point-scoring—fuelled by misinformation,” said Marinakis.

Opposition: “A Government Without Accountability”

A PASOK delegation visited fire-affected areas in Achaia, Filippiada, and Preveza, led by George Papandreou and Andreas Spyropoulos, sharply criticizing the government’s failure to prevent and manage the crisis.

“It’s never the government’s fault—always someone else. This is an unaccountable, reckless government with no transparency. A prime minister who never takes responsibility,” said PASOK spokesman Kostas Tsoukalas.

Kostas Tsingas, President of the Fire Service Officers Union, added a blunt assessment:

“Volunteers are not the solution. We need trained professionals able to operate in the field. Volunteers already have full-time jobs; they can’t be expected to shoulder this burden alone.”

Broad Criticism Across the Political Spectrum

KKE MP Yiannis Giokas accused the government of deflecting blame:“Stop hiding behind extreme weather, personal responsibility, and the 112 system. The government holds full responsibility.”

Greek Solution leader Kyriakos Velopoulos delivered a scathing attack:“The only thing that changes in this failed government is the level of stupidity—which keeps increasing.”

From the New Left party, leader Alexis Haritsis stated:“Enough is enough. Greece needs oxygen. As long as the scorched-earth government remains in power, the country will keep suffocating.”

MEGA TV Clash Over Emergency Alerts

A fierce on-air confrontation took place on MEGA TV between SYRIZA MP Kostas Barkas and ND MP Kostas Karagounis, with tensions running high over how and when to use the 112 alert system.

Kostas Barkas criticized mass evacuations, saying:“It’s shameful. If all 15,000 residents of Arta had evacuated, the town itself might have burned. Some people stayed with their irrigation trucks and managed to save their village.”

Kostas Karagounis, defending the government’s position, fired back:“I didn’t expect Mr. Barkas to question the use of 112. I’m not drawing comparisons with Mati, but if we had even the minimum prevention back then, lives would’ve been saved. The system is designed to prevent loss of life. If evacuation is needed, then people must go.”

The exchange grew tense, with Barkas accusing Karagounis of twisting his words, and Karagounis standing firm:“Yes, if needed, people will leave so that lives are not lost.”

Stir Over Comments on “Destabilization Plan”

Further controversy erupted after Deputy Labour Minister Kostas Karagounis made a cryptic comment regarding the possibility that the fires could be part of a broader plan to destabilize the country:“I can’t say there is such a plan—but I also can’t rule it out.”

The remark drew immediate backlash from PASOK, which called on the government to clarify whether it shares such suspicions.

A Crisis or a Missed Opportunity for Unity?

Instead of unity in the face of a national disaster, the wildfires have exposed deep political fault lines. As flames engulf forests and homes, Greece’s political leadership is engulfed in a firestorm of blame, with little consensus on how to move forward.

The question remains: Will this crisis lead to real change in prevention, staffing, and environmental policy—or will the political sparks only burn hotter next summer?

Source: pagenews.gr