A fierce political clash erupted in the Greek Parliament following a deadly maritime tragedy off Chios, where 15 migrants lost their lives. The opposition launched sharp criticism against the government, demanding accountability and transparency. The government emphasized the need to intensify efforts against human smuggling networks and proposed stricter penalties. Migration Minister Thanos Plyris defended the Hellenic Coast Guard, calling its personnel ‘unsung heroes of the Aegean’ and condemning rhetoric targeting them. PASOK called for a thorough, institutional investigation free of ideology or anti-migrant rhetoric. SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos stressed the urgency of examining operational protocols, training, and real-time response mechanisms. KKE Secretary Dimitris Koustoumpas demanded full accountability and punishment of those responsible. New Left’s Alexis Haritsis labeled the incident the result of criminal deterrence policies. Greek Solution leader Kyriakos Velopoulos blamed border protection failures, while Niki leader Dimitris Natsios expressed unequivocal support for Coast Guard personnel. Freedom Sail’s Zoe Konstantopoulou questioned the term ‘rescue operation’ amid fatalities and missing persons.
Greek Parliament Erupts Over Migrant Tragedy Off Chios
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