Government Sources on Doukas: Defense Ministry Will Act to Prevent Downgrading of Unknown Soldier Monument

Tensions are escalating in the dispute between the government and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas over the Unknown Soldier monument. On Friday morning (24.10.25), Doukas announced he would take legal action over jurisdiction regarding the monument, prompting the Ministry of National Defense to respond that it will not allow any downgrading of the site. «Within hours, Mr. Doukas contradicted himself. Yesterday, after his meeting with Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, the Mayor of Athens stated that, according to the amendment passed by Parliament, responsibility for the care of the Unknown Soldier monument and its surrounding area belongs exclusively to the government,» government sources stressed, adding: «He even ironically wished the government ‘good luck’—a wish that, as government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis pointed out, should have been directed at the capital’s residents and all those navigating the city since the day he was elected.» «Today, Mr. Doukas announced he will go to court over the issue of jurisdiction, saying exactly the opposite of what he said yesterday. In record time, Mr. Doukas has supported both a position and its exact opposite. All that remains is for him to sort out his thoughts—a matter perhaps important to him, but one that doesn’t concern society,» they emphasized. They clarified further: «In any case, and given the mayor’s reluctance, as announced today by the Ministry of National Defense, it will not permit under any circumstances the degradation of the monument, taking whatever action is necessary to prevent it.»