Deputy Prime Minister Costas Hatzidakis dismissed as “absurd” the speculation linking recent arrests in the Marfin bank arson case to potential early elections. Speaking about both the Marfin investigation and the murder of Vagia Nestora in Thessaloniki, Hatzidakis rejected claims that these developments were timed for electoral advantage.
He noted that some commentators had suggested a coordinated political narrative — pointing to simultaneous events such as fuel price reductions, the Thessaloniki arrest, and breakthroughs in the Marfin case — all allegedly part of government election preparations. ‘It makes no sense. Honestly, it makes no sense,’ he remarked, stressing that the government acts based on investigative results, not political expediency.
Regarding the Vagia Nestora case, Hatzidakis recalled that from the outset, the Minister of Citizen Protection expressed confidence that the Hellenic Police (EL.AS.) would swiftly identify the perpetrators, citing early investigative leads that proved crucial in solving the crime.
On the Marfin case, he acknowledged the 16-year gap between the 2008 arson attack — which killed three employees — and the recent arrests, calling it a long period but emphasizing that investigations never ceased. He drew a parallel with the dismantling of the ’17 November’ terrorist group, which also took years to resolve. What matters most now, he said, is that — pending judicial decisions — there is finally an answer to the victims’ families: ‘Judges decide as they see fit. What I can say — and will say, honestly — is that in this ministry, there is a minister, Michalis Chrysochoidis, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership. He was at the helm when the ’17 November’ case moved forward and was solved.’