The Greek government is set to vote today on a controversial amendment designed to protect the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a symbol of national unity, amid fierce opposition. Following a request by Greece’s Communist Party (KKE), the vote will be recorded by name, highlighting the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the issue.
Yesterday’s parliamentary session was tense, marked by sharp exchanges between the government and the entire opposition. Personal barbs and pointed remarks punctuated speeches, underscoring the gravity of the debate. Notably, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias distanced himself from the Prime Minister’s office in a public statement.
Dendias Speaks Out
Minister Dendias issued his statement while Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis faced criticism in Parliament over the whereabouts of the Defense Minister. Dendias emphasized:
“The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier unites Greeks past and present. The Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces will not treat it as a political tool or as a means to divide society. This will guide our actions moving forward.”
Government Shows United Front
Sources from the Prime Minister’s office highlighted that seven key ministries—Defense, Citizen Protection, Justice, Economy, Interior, Culture, and Environment—co-signed the amendment, demonstrating the government’s coordinated stance.
“Opposition parties interpret any minor disagreement as a government split, despite the Prime Minister reiterating the sacredness and respect due to the monument,” the sources noted.
Once enacted, officials with the relevant authority will be responsible for enforcing the amendment to safeguard the monument.
Mitsotakis Addresses Decades of Neglect
Prime Minister Mitsotakis stressed the historical neglect of the site:
“For decades, this space was held hostage by ambiguous responsibilities. It gradually became a backdrop for protests and partisan exploitation. Now, the monument passes to the Ministry of Defense, as it should: a cenotaph dedicated to the unknown soldier who fell for freedom. The ministry will oversee its care and maintenance, while the police ensure its protection.”
Mitsotakis also acknowledged the grief of families who lost loved ones, emphasizing that activism at a sacred site does not serve justice.
“Justice will be served through the courts, which will begin proceedings in March. We respect judicial independence and are pleased that families will now be able to proceed with exhumations to seek answers.”
Accusations of Exploiting Grief
The Prime Minister warned against exploiting mourning for political gain:
“With respect to the parents, I ask them to consider whether some are using their grief for their own agendas, wearing the mask of solidarity. Political figures have distinguished themselves both for creating tension and for divisive actions.”
He directly criticized the opposition, particularly PASOK and SYRIZA, suggesting that they act as extensions of former Parliament speaker Zoe Konstantopoulou.
Sharp Exchanges with Opposition Leaders
Mitsotakis responded to claims of internal government rifts, referencing both opposition leaders and party figures:
- Addressing PASOK’s Nikos Androulakis, he questioned the Athens mayor’s failure to maintain the monument, implying political motives.
- Regarding SYRIZA’s Socratis Famellos, he criticized opposition tactics, accusing them of playing politics with public grief.
Androulakis accused the government of “hypocrisy, arrogance, and attempts to divide society,” warning that Greece needs a unifying Prime Minister who strengthens the country internationally, rather than another divisive leader.
“You are weaponizing a symbol of unity to polarize citizens. The amendment seems designed to publicly chastise Minister Dendias. Is this your coordinated approach?” Androulakis asked.
Prime Minister Leaves Chamber Amid Tensions
During Famellos’s speech, Mitsotakis left the chamber, provoking outrage. SYRIZA claimed his departure highlighted cracks in the government. Famellos added that the government fears public protests and cited the timing of the amendment as strategic—coming hours after the end of Pano Routsis’s hunger strike, whose son’s death sparked public outcry.
“Why didn’t Minister Dendias attend to defend the amendment? His absence signals a top-level governmental rift and the Prime Minister’s inadequacy,” Famellos said.
