A fierce debate erupted in the Greek Parliament over a government-proposed amendment to protect the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, revealing deep political divisions and personal tensions.
The amendment, expected to pass today via a roll-call vote requested by the Communist Party (KKE), has ignited a clash between the government and the opposition, with accusations of divisiveness and political maneuvering dominating the session.
The discussion grew heated as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the amendment, which transfers responsibility for the monument’s maintenance and protection to the Ministry of Defense. He argued that the site, long a stage for protests and political exploitation, should be treated as a sacred symbol of unity. “This monument, dedicated to the anonymous fighter who fell for freedom, belongs under the care of the Ministry of Defense,” Mitsotakis stated, emphasizing that the police would ensure its protection.
However, the opposition accused the government of exploiting the monument to suppress dissent. PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis criticized Mitsotakis for “hypocrisy and arrogance,” warning against turning a unifying symbol into a tool for division. SYRIZA president Sokratis Famellos went further, claiming the amendment’s timing—shortly after hunger striker Panos Routsis ended his protest demanding answers about his child’s death—reflected the government’s fear of public unrest. Famellos also pointed to the absence of Defense Minister Nikos Dendias during the debate as evidence of internal government rifts.
Dendias, in a pointed statement posted during Mitsotakis’ speech, distanced himself from the government’s approach. “The Monument of the Unknown Soldier unites Greeks now and forever,” he wrote. “The Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces will not allow it to become an object of political division.” His remarks, made as Mitsotakis faced opposition criticism about his whereabouts, fueled speculation of discord within the ruling New Democracy party.
Government sources dismissed claims of internal strife, noting that seven ministries—Defense, Citizen Protection, Justice, Economy, Interior, Culture, and Environment—co-signed the amendment, demonstrating unity. They accused the opposition of fabricating division and exploiting the monument for political gain. “The prime minister spoke of unity and respect for the site, while the opposition resorts to artificial attempts to divide society,” a Maximos Mansion source said.
Mitsotakis also addressed the families of victims, acknowledging their grief but urging them to resist exploitation by “unscrupulous” actors. He referenced a recent court decision allowing the exhumation of Routsis’ child, expressing hope that it would bring answers. However, he sharply criticized PASOK and SYRIZA, accusing them of aligning with Plefsi Eleftherias leader Zoe Konstantopoulou and engaging in divisive tactics. Targeting PASOK’s Androulakis, Mitsotakis suggested Athens Mayor Haris Doukas neglected the monument’s upkeep for political gain, while he indirectly called SYRIZA’s former leader Alexis Tsipras a “fugitive” from Parliament for his absence.
The opposition hit back hard. Androulakis accused Mitsotakis of using the amendment to publicly rebuke Dendias, citing comments by Minister Adonis Georgiadis that the Defense Ministry would now be accountable. Famellos, visibly angered by Mitsotakis’ departure during his speech, claimed the prime minister “fled” to avoid confronting Dendias’ apparent dissent. “If Dendias disagrees, let him come and say so,” Famellos demanded, calling the amendment a step toward authoritarianism.
As the vote looms, the debate over the Unknown Soldier’s Monument has exposed not only political fault lines but also the raw emotions tied to Greece’s national symbols. The outcome will likely reverberate beyond Parliament, shaping public discourse in a deeply polarized climate.
(Source: To Vima)